“If you forgive anyone’s sins, they will be forgiven. But if you don’t forgive their sins, they will not be forgiven.” – Jesus (John 20:23 CEV)
Some think Jesus in this verse gives the apostles (and their the successors) the authority to decide who gets forgiveness and who doesn’t. This view has resulted in many abuses and is inconsistent with Christ’s mission to bring forgiveness to all who would receive him. So what did Jesus mean?
Jesus wasn’t putting them in charge of who gets forgiveness, he was giving them a commission. I think he was saying his plan for taking his forgiveness to the world is through his followers participation – us offering our forgiveness as God’s divine forgiveness working through us. I think he was further saying he has no backup plan – if we refuse then it won’t get done, the world will die in their sins, and it will be our fault.
This only makes sense – how can my neighbor (or brother, sister, boss, employee – you name it) know the forgiveness of Christ if I am unwilling to offer it through me?
Sound Bite: Christ’s forgiveness comes through us and if we don’t do it, it won’t get done.
– fritz
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