Jesus Forgives Sins: Biblical Locations Of Atonement

Jesus is believed to have forgiven the sins of several people during his ministry. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic man, a sinful woman, and one of the thieves crucified with him. In Matthew and Mark, Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic man and a sinful woman. In each case, Jesus' words caused a stir among those present, as forgiving sins was understood to be an act of divine authority. Jesus' ability to forgive sins is tied to his identity as the Son of God and is seen as evidence of his divinity.

Jesus forgave the sins of a paralysed man

Jesus had returned to his home in Capernaum, by crossing the Sea of Galilee. Large crowds had gathered to hear him speak, and among them were some religious leaders. Four men brought their paralysed friend to see Jesus, carrying him on a stretcher. They were determined to get their friend to Jesus, so when they couldn't get through the crowd, they climbed onto the roof and lowered him down through the tiles.

Jesus was impressed by their faith and said to the paralysed man, "Your sins are forgiven". The scribes and Pharisees took issue with this, reasoning that only God could forgive sins. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus asked them: "Why are you reasoning these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven', or to say, 'Get up and pick up your stretcher and walk'?"

Jesus then showed the crowd that he had the authority to forgive sins on earth. He turned to the paralysed man and said: "Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go to your home." The man immediately did so, walking out in front of all those present, who glorified God and exclaimed: "We have never seen anything like this!"

Jesus' forgiveness of the paralysed man's sins was linked to his physical healing. The Bible teaches that, under the rule of God's Kingdom, Jesus will forgive the sins of all who love and serve God, and sickness will be removed forever.

Jesus forgave the sins of a sinful woman

The sinful woman, who remains unnamed, was aware of Jesus' presence at a Pharisee's house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume and knelt at Jesus' feet, weeping. She washed His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed them with perfume. Her actions reflected genuine repentance and faith, and she loved Jesus deeply.

In contrast, Simon the Pharisee, the host of the dinner, judged the woman for her past. Jesus, however, saw beyond her sins and recognised her heartfelt need for redemption and restoration. He declared to her, "Your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:48), bringing her peace and restoring her relationship with God.

This proclamation of forgiveness caused a stir among the other guests, who questioned Jesus' authority to forgive sins. Jesus' response to the woman stands in stark contrast to the judgmental attitude of the religious leaders, highlighting the inclusive nature of God's grace.

This event serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' divine authority and His willingness to extend compassion and forgiveness to all who come to Him in faith, regardless of their past transgressions.

Jesus forgave the sins of a crucified thief

Jesus was crucified alongside two thieves, one on his right and one on his left, as foretold by Isaiah 53:12. According to the Gospel of Luke, one of these thieves challenged Jesus to save himself and both of them, asking: "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us". The other rebuked him, recognising that they were receiving their just punishment, but that Jesus had done nothing wrong. He then asked Jesus to "remember me when you come into your kingdom".

Jesus replied, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise".

This story is a powerful illustration of the gospel of grace. The thief had no opportunity to perform good deeds, help the poor, or be baptised. All he could do was ask for mercy, and this was enough. Jesus' forgiveness of the thief also demonstrates his divine authority. Only God can forgive sins, and in doing so, Jesus showed that he is God's divine Son.

The story of the crucified thief also shows that no sin is too bad to be forgiven. The thief had already been sentenced to death for his crimes, but Jesus declared that he would be with him in Paradise. This is proof that God will forgive the sins of all those who believe in Him.

Jesus forgave based on faith

Jesus also forgave the sins of one of the thieves crucified with him. One of the thieves railed against Jesus, but the other recognised that he did not deserve such treatment. He asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus forgave him, promising that he would join him in paradise (Luke 23:39-43).

In these instances, Jesus demonstrated his divine authority and power to forgive sins. He forgave those who came to him in faith, and his forgiveness brought about spiritual and physical healing. Jesus' ability to forgive sins is tied to his identity as the Son of God, and it is through faith in him that we receive God's forgiveness.

Jesus forgave sins before dying on the cross

Jesus forgave the sins of at least three people before he died on the cross. The first instance is recorded in Luke 5:17-26, where a paralysed man is brought to Jesus by his friends, who lower him through a roof. Jesus, seeing their faith, forgives the man's sins and heals him. The second instance is recorded in Luke 7:36-50, where a woman, described as a sinner, washes and anoints Jesus' feet while he is at the house of a Pharisee named Simon. Jesus forgives her sins and gives her a special blessing. The third instance is recorded in Luke 23:39-43, where Jesus forgives the sins of one of the thieves crucified with him.

In all three cases, Jesus demonstrates his divine authority to forgive sins, a power that, according to the Bible, only God possesses. This caused quite a stir among those who heard it, as they overlooked the fact that Jesus is divine. By forgiving sins before his death on the cross, Jesus showed that he is the Son of God, wielding God's authority on Earth.

The principle of forgiveness is a constant throughout the Bible, with God ultimately being the source of forgiveness. This is emphasised in the Old Testament, where David's prayer for forgiveness is granted (Psalm 51:2 and Psalm 32:1), and an angel declares the prophet Isaiah's forgiveness (Isaiah 6:7). Animal sacrifices in the Old Testament, such as those described in Leviticus 4:20, 26, 31, and 35, also resulted in forgiveness.

Jesus' power to forgive sins is further highlighted in his prayer for those who crucified him: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Even in this moment, Jesus is interceding for others, keeping the door open for their repentance, and demonstrating his willingness to forgive.

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