Who Can Forgive Sins, But God Only. Part [11] 09/07/2025 (Morning thought)

Matthew 27:15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

The power to forgive sin was never ordained nor intended to be exercised by any person other than Christ. Even with the keys of heaven in their hands the disciples could not forgive any sin, nor pardon anyone, let alone a convicted felon…. Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said unto them, which of the two will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas… [The Desire of Ages pp 733] The Roman authorities at this time held a prisoner named Barabbas, who was under sentence of death.

[The Desire of Ages pp 733] This man had claimed to be the Messiah. He claimed authority to establish a different order of things, to set the world right. He had done wonderful things through satanic agencies, he had gained a following among the people, and had excited sedition against the Roman government. Under cover of religious enthusiasm, he was a hardened and desperate villain, bent on rebellion and cruelty.

Matthew 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, what shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, let him be crucified.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

Who Can Forgive Sins, But God Only. Part [10] 09/07/2025 (Evening thought)

Ezekiel 18: 27 Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considers, and turns away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall  surely live, he shall not die.

On the occasion of the Passover, they would pardon someone arbitrarily without the conditions set forth in the Scriptures being applied to the case. Thus, a convicted felon could be eligible for pardon without confessing that he had done wrong, and without an effort to turn away from his sins, as God stipulates. Pardon is conditional, and it is not something to be trifled with or to be taken lightly, because it involves letting persons off of the hook, for wrongs and sins committed.

Therefore, in the clearest terms the God of heaven lays out the way in which forgiveness is to be granted. Any deviation from the Scriptural stipulation is the equivalent of sitting in the seat of God, or usurping the authority and prerogatives which belong to God alone. But here comes Barabbas who never confesses any sin, he does not turn away, and he does not even consider or reflect on the evils he has done.

There’s no deep soul-searching on his part, and no remorse as when a person takes an introspect look at his or her deeds. Yet, he is pardoned by Pilate, for no other reason than the people clamoring for his release. There is not one iota of justice in the act of letting him go free, it’s just Pilate wielding power that was never granted him by God. It was, and is a practice of human devising but it has no foundation whatsoever in the Bible.

1st John 1: 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!