Jesus is Essential
John 20:23: If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Nowhere in the Book of Acts or in the Epistles do we find any instance of an apostle remitting the sins of anyone. They do go everywhere, proclaiming the forgiveness of sins. Let me ask the question: What is it that forgives sins? Even God cannot just arbitrarily forgive sins. Forgiveness of sins is only and alone through the blood of Jesus Christ. Back in the Old Testament, the forgiveness of sins was based on the fact that Christ would come and die. God saved “on credit” in the Old Testament until Christ would come and pay the penalty.
Today God forgives our sins when we believe that Christ died for them. How can you and I remit sins? By telling the gospel! This is the greater work which we shall do. When somebody turned and believed on Jesus while He was here on earth, that was wonderful. But what is staggering is when you or I simply give out the Word of God, and someone is born again and becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them” happens when you and I proclaim the gospel of the grace of God. That is the most glorious privilege that there is today, my friend. 1
Walking with Jesus
You have the capacity to lead people into the saving truth and to see them set free from the bondage and power of sin, immediately and for all eternity. What is keeping you from sharing the gospel as God provides the continual opportunities?
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
To be forgiven by Him, is to be free for now, and for all eternity.
Praying
Lord, please forgive my selfish heart. Help me proclaim Your gospel with conviction.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
