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If You Forgive Their Sins - John 20:23
If You Forgive Their Sins - John 20:23
"If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained." (John 20:23)
This statement was to the apostles after the resurrection and before the ascension. Earlier, Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). Part of that truth were the conditions for being forgiven by God.
Such promise was not the power to make up such conditions for forgiveness on their own, but a promise of revelation, that God would use them to reveal HIS will.
While many people will choose just one single verse and declare that that is the whole truth about our relationship with God, such simply is not the case. Others will add stipulations and requirements that were NOT revealed by the apostles.
The stipulations revealed by the apostles are found NOT just in the gospels, but in their other writings – i.e., the New Testament. Many other instructions and commandments are given that pertain not to forgiveness but to sanctification and holiness. Many such instructions involve our relationships – to spouses, children, slaves, masters, brethren, governments, and others. Obeying the powers that be is demanded of disciples, but doing such does not provide forgiveness for other sins. NOT doing such is in fact sin and would require our seeking forgiveness through the apostle’s instructions. What conditions are connected to forgiveness? Here is my list.
· Believe – trust: God (Heb. 11:6), Jesus (John 8:24, Mark 16:16).
· Confess such faith – that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God – Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10
· Repent – Luke 24:44-46; Acts 2:38; 17:30;
· Baptized – Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38.
THEN, as you live the life of a disciples and find that sometimes you have erred and committed a sin, you return –
· Repent and Pray – Acts 8:22-23
· Confess such sin to God – 1 John 1:7-9
The other condition stated is that we must also be forgiving those that sin against us – Matt. 6:14-15; Mark 11:25f.
Entering into such relationship with Jesus constitutes becoming a disciple and the many demands of discipleship. Just do not confuse such commands with the demands that are tied to forgiveness. Let us perfect holiness and trust God for forgiveness based upon His stated conditions.
Hugh DeLong
