Jesus Forgives Sin

MEMORY SELECTION: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —I John 1:9

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Luke 7:36-50

IN I JOHN 2:1,2, the apostle states, “And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

The arrangement for the forgiveness of sin was planned and designed by the Heavenly Father. We as Bible students recognize that all of our character weaknesses, the sins that we commit, even the physical ailments, disease, and imperfections of our bodies have as their roots and beginnings the Adamic condemnation.

This being so, we recognize that the ultimate correction of these things involves the ransom price and its application according to the Heavenly Father’s design. As indicated in the text quoted (I John 2:1,2), the first use of the merit provided by Jesus was that he became the Advocate of his footstep followers. He became the Advocate, or Intercessor, on behalf of the church when he appeared in the presence of God for us.—Heb. 9:24

The apostle then continues in I John 2:2, “And he is the propitiation for our sins. …” Jesus demonstrated the fact that he has interceded for us by applying the merit of the ransom price on our behalf. A propitiation is an atoning sacrifice. The language used points back to the typical atonement day sacrifice conducted on the day of atonement under the Law Covenant. (Lev. 16) There were two principal sacrifices offered by the high priest on that day—a bullock that was offered for the priest himself and for his house, and a goat (the Lord’s goat) that was subsequently offered for the people.—Lev. 16:11,15

The Apostle Paul, in showing that the atonement day sacrifices were typical, or a picture, of the reality, states in Hebrews 9:11,12, “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

And so the ransom price was applied first for the “us” class, that is, John and the other apostles, as well as the footstep followers of Jesus down through the Gospel Age. The application of the ransom cleansed them from all sin in God’s sight and gave them justification for the purpose of being able to offer their lives as an acceptable sacrifice.—Rom. 8:1; 12:1

It is important to realize that it took all of the merit of the ransom price to make atonement for the sins for the church of the Gospel Age. The ransom price was not applied on behalf of others, and blessings have not come to anyone else. However, the merit of Christ’s death is destined for all of mankind, but in due time, according to the time features and arrangements of God’s plan.

When the last members of the church have been tried, tested, and exalted to their reward, and others who were called and justified but who did not attain to the high calling have been dealt with, then the merit of the ransom price will be available to be applied on behalf of the world of mankind. This application of the ransom price will mean that the curse of Adamic condemnation will be lifted from fallen men. It will be then, through the functioning of the kingdom, that sin and the effects of sin will be eradicated.

During his ministry Jesus fulfilled the prophecies concerning himself. He preached the gospel to the poor, the sick were healed, and the dead were brought back to life. (Isa. 42:7; 35:3-6; Matt. 11:1-6) If the Jews had been observant they would have recognized Jesus as their Messiah, the long-promised Deliverer. The miracles performed were meant also to illustrate the still greater works that would be to their benefit and blessing in the kingdom.

In Matthew, the 9th chapter, is an account of a miracle that illustrates the point of the lesson. “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house.”—vss. 6,7

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