July 13 THE FORGIVER OF SINS "The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (Luke 5:24, NIV). None of the bold claims of Jesus received more violent denunciation from His antagonists than His claim to forgive sins. To the religious leaders of His day, this was the ultimate blasphemy. But to the true believer, it is good news. In the miraculous healing of the paralytic, Christ demonstrated both the power to heal and the authority to forgive sins. He was the great physician of body and soul. In the double miracle, Christ gave the sick man a new body and a new spiritual life. He was made fully whole--spiritually and physically. Jesus Christ is fully vested with the authority to forgive sins by virtue of His divinity and substitutionary death on the cross. His qualifications to forgive are unquestionable and unimpeachable. In Him, we "have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Ephesians 1:7, NKJV). Christ is duly empowered by the Father to forgive sins. He asserted this fact when He said, "The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (Matthew 9:6, NIV). Not only is Christ fully empowered to forgive, He is willing and faithful to forgive all who come to Him in repentance and faith (see 1 John 1:9). Remember: "Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart, and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive, and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness."--The Faith I Live By, p. 128. My Prayer Today: Lord, through Your matchless grace I have forgiveness and security. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Amen.