“The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Matthew 9:6
Behold one of the great Physician’s mightiest arts: he has power to forgive sin! While here he lived below, before the ransom had been paid, before the blood had been literally sprinkled on the mercy seat, he had power to forgive sin. Has he not power to do it now that he has died? What power must dwell in him who to the utmost farthing has faithfully discharged the debts of his people! He has boundless power now that he has finished transgression and made an end of sin.
If you doubt it, see him rising from the dead! Behold him in ascending splendor raised to the right hand of God! Hear him pleading before the eternal Father, pointing to his wounds, urging the merit of his sacred passion! What power to forgive is here! He has “ascended on high . . . receiving gifts among men.” “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” The most crimson sins are removed by the crimson of his blood. At this moment, dear reader, whatever your sinfulness, Christ has power to pardon, power to pardon you, and millions such as you are.
A word will speak it. He has nothing more to do to win your pardon; all the atoning work is done. He can, in answer to your tears, forgive your sins today, and make you know it. He can breathe into your soul at this very moment a peace with God which passes all understanding, which shall spring from perfect remission of your manifold iniquities. Do you believe that? I trust you believe it. May you experience now the power of Jesus to forgive sin! Waste no time in applying to the Physician of souls, but hasten to him with words like these:
“Jesus! Master! Hear my cry;
Save me, heal me with a word;
Fainting at thy feet I lie,
Thou my whisper’d plaint hast heard.”
Adapted from Morning and Evening.
