“Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?”
(Mark 2:7)
This question spoken by the scribes regarding Christ reveals a truth they themselves could not see. They were correct in one sense, though blind in another. It is indeed true that only God can forgive sins. Sin is committed against God, and therefore the authority to pardon guilt belongs to Him alone. Scripture repeatedly declares that justification, cleansing, and the blotting out of transgressions are works that belong only to the Lord.
The apostle writes that God is the one who justifies. The psalmist cries out, “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin,” acknowledging that forgiveness must come from the Lord alone.
Yet the glory of the gospel appears in the fact that Christ possesses this very authority. Christ did not announce forgiveness as a messenger repeating another’s words. He declared forgiveness in His own authority, showing that the power to pardon resides in Him. The Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins. This is not a borrowed power but a divine prerogative exercised through His mediatorial work.[1]
Scripture therefore speaks of Christ as the one who washes His people from their sins in His own blood. By His suffering and sacrifice He accomplished the very work that only God can perform. The prophet Isaiah foretold this when he declared, “By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many.” The Father has committed judgment to the Son, giving Him authority to justify those who believe and to condemn those who remain in rebellion.
But the work of redemption does not stop at forgiveness alone. The same divine power that pardons guilt also overcomes the enemies that held mankind in bondage. Through His cross and resurrection Christ spoils principalities and powers, triumphing over them. When confronted by Him, the demons cried out in terror, asking whether He had come to torment them before the appointed time. Their fear revealed what many men refused to acknowledge: that the authority of Christ reaches even over the powers of darkness.
Finally, at the end of the age, Christ will also raise the dead by His own voice, calling forth His saints from the grave whose mortal bodies will be transformed to be like His glorious body. He will present His people as a glorious church without spot or wrinkle to the Father, and the redeemed will reign with Him forever.
The question of the scribes therefore becomes a declaration of truth: Who can forgive sins but God only? The answer is found in the person of Jesus Christ. In Him the authority of God to forgive is revealed, the power of God to conquer evil is displayed, and the purpose of God to bring His people into everlasting glory is fulfilled.
Contemplations:
- Gratitude for Your authority to forgive. O Lord, when I consider that only You can forgive sins, I am filled with gratitude that forgiveness has been revealed in Christ. You provided a Savior who has authority to pardon and cleanse. Thank You that the One who died for sinners is also the One who declares them forgiven.
- Thanksgiving for Christ’s victory over evil. Father, I praise You that Christ has overcome the powers that once held sinners in bondage. The enemy who deceives and accuses does not have the final word. Through the cross and resurrection, Jesus has triumphed over every power of darkness. I thank You that those who belong to Him are delivered from that dominion and brought into the kingdom of Your Son.
- Gratitude for Christ’s care beyond this life. Lord, thank You that Christ’s work does not end with forgiveness in this life. He receives the souls of His people and prepares a place for them in His presence. Even death cannot separate Your children from His care.
- Praise for the future glory Christ will bring. Gracious God, thank You for the promise that Christ will bring redemption to its perfect completion. He will raise the dead, judge the world, and present His people in glory. My heart gives thanks that the One who forgives sinners today will also lead them into everlasting joy.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
Heavenly Father, my heart is filled with gratitude for the redemption that You have accomplished through Jesus Christ. Your word teaches that forgiveness belongs to You alone, for sin is committed against You and only Your authority can remove its guilt. Yet in Your mercy You have revealed that authority through Your Son.
Thank You that Christ did not merely speak of forgiveness but secured it through His own blood. He bore the weight of sin so that sinners might be washed and justified. What no human effort could accomplish, He completed through His sacrifice. My heart praises You for such mercy, for without it I would remain under condemnation.
Lord, thank You that the work of Christ reaches beyond forgiveness to the complete victory over every enemy. Through His power the works of the devil are destroyed. The forces that once held mankind captive have been overcome. The triumph of Christ assures me that evil does not have the final word. I praise You that through Him believers share in that victory.
Thank You for the care that Christ shows toward His people even beyond the grave. When the earthly life of a believer ends, the soul is received by the Savior who redeemed it. He holds the keys of death and the unseen world. This truth gives comfort and peace, for the redeemed are never abandoned but are always kept in His hand.
Father, I give thanks for the future glory that Christ will bring to completion. One day He will raise the dead, transform the bodies of His saints, and present His church in perfect beauty. The kingdom will be established in righteousness, and Your people will dwell forever in the light of Christ’s glory. The promise of that day fills my heart with praise.
Help me live each day in gratitude for this great redemption. Let thankfulness shape my thoughts and guide my actions. May my life reflect the joy of one who has been forgiven and delivered by the power of Christ. And keep my heart mindful of Your mercy so that I may continually praise the Savior who has done all things well.
Receive my thanks, Lord, for the forgiveness of sins, the victory over evil, the hope beyond death, and the promise of eternal glory. All these blessings come through Jesus Christ, the One who has authority to forgive and power to save completely.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Mark 2:7:
Isa. 43:25, Psalm 32:5, Dan. 9:9, Luke 5:21
[1] Jonathan Edwards, The “Miscellanies”: (Entry Nos. 1153–1360), ed. Douglas A. Sweeney and Harry S. Stout, vol. 23, The Works of Jonathan Edwards (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2004), 624–627.
