“whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
John 20:23 KJV
This is what Jesus told His disciples when first He rose from the dead, “I send you to preach the forgiveness of sins—and people’s sins will be forgiven. But if you don’t proclaim the forgiveness of their sins, they will remain guilty.” Jesus was not giving absolute authority to forgive the guilt of sins for God alone has that right. Jesus was saying that if the apostles forgive someone for their sins, their sins will be discharged, but if they retain their sins, their sins will be retained. The apostles at no time assumed that authority. What Jesus gives the apostles (the sent ones), is the authority to proclaim the Gospel to the nations. If the apostles refuse to go and preach the good news, then people will have no opportunity to believe it. “Through this Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is offered to you. Everyone who believes in Him is set free from sin and guilt..”. May we heed Jesus and be obedient to proclaim the Gospel, the forgiveness of sins for all. Amen!
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