Human and Divine Forgiveness

Monday, September 29, 2008: Matthew 9:2

Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

What did Jesus Christ consider as the healing of greater importance? Spiritual forgiveness: then physical healing.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008: Matthew 9:6–7

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house.

Did this action take faith on the part of the paralytic? Yes, he had to believe he could sit up and have the strength to pick up his bed and walk home.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008: Ephesians 1:7

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Why could the Lord Jesus forgive sins? His blood was shed not for Himself but for us.

Thursday, October 2, 2008: 1 John 2:12

I write to you, little children,
Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.

What is in the name, Jesus Christ, that forgives sin? Using the name Jesus Christ is placing our faith on the only one who has authority (power) to forgive sins.

Friday, October 3, 2008: 2 Corinthians 2:7–8

so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him

How is human forgiveness different from divine forgiveness? Divine forgiveness demands a just penalty, paid by Jesus Christ; human forgiveness requires one to overlook injustice in spite of the cost.