Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Trinity: Jesus Is Able to Forgive Sin

In Mark, Chapter 2 we read:

Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
But some of the scribes were sitting there, thinking to themselves: “Why does He speak like this? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
(Mark 2:5,6)

The scribes ask a good question: Can anyone but God forgive sin?
Jesus proves to the contrary with a miracle:

10 But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” He told the paralytic, 11 “I tell you: get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

12 Immediately he got up, picked up the mat, and went out in front of everyone.
(Mark 2:10-12)

Another similar incident is recorded in Luke concerning a woman who was especially sinful:

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
(Luke 7:44-50)

It appears that even a little faith in Jesus goes a long way towards having your sins forgiven.

Jesus also was able to forgive the sin of a thief who asked him for mercy:

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
(Luke 23:42, 43)

It is not clear that Mohammed thought his own sins were forgiven.

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