Jesus’ Authority to Forgive – Luke 5:17-26

Forgiveness is the keystone to being reconciled to God. Forgiveness begins with the admission that we are sinners. This realization doesn’t come by our own understanding, but by God’s grace. Forgiveness is the greatest miracle. Anyone that is in Christ is forgiven, and he is a new creature (2 Cor 5:17). Upon seeing the paralyzed man being lowered into His presence, Jesus saw his faith and forgave him (v. 20).

Christians come to Christ because He calls them (Jn 10:3). Not only does God call them, but He also convicts Christians of their sin (Jn 16:8-9). “The influence of the Holy Spirit in an unsaved person’s life will lead that person to the realization that he is guilty, that God is just, and that all sinners are deserving of judgment. Once a sinner has been awakened to his soul’s great need, the Spirit will point him to Christ, the one and only Savior and Refuge from judgment” (Charles Ryrie). One cannot blame God for lack of conviction, for “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them” (Rom 1:18-20).

Repentance precedes forgiveness. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness. Jesus has the authority to both heal and to forgive. He can heal and forgive effortlessly because He is omnipotent. Jesus often called Himself the Son of Man to highlight that, although in appearance He is Man, all the fullness of God still dwelt in Him. 

God knows the heart of man. Christians hate sin because it goes against the very nature of God, who is holy. “Sin forsaken is one of the best evidences of sin forgiven” (J. C. Ryle).