Mark 2: 3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
There are certain prerogatives which belong to God alone, and one of them is the authority to forgive sins. Even though Christians are instructed to forgive other persons their trespasses, we cannot absolve a person of guilt, where wrongs were committed. We are encouraged not to pursue a course of action that is vengeful in nature, and we are to forgive our fellowmen in the sense that we would not hold sins against ourselves against them, but as far as pardon and absolving goes, that is God’s territory alone.
The reason why this authority belongs solely to God is because we never shed blood for the remission of any sins. Thus, according to the Bible, pardoning sin and the authority to forgive, will legally require the shedding of blood, and no one else but Christ has ever done this….. Hebrews 9: 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
Thus, the Christian can let things slide when wrongs are committed against his or her person, and we can and should pursue reconciliation whenever we can, but we of ourselves can never forgive sin. That is the territory, and the prerogative of God alone. Thus, when Jesus instructs us to forgive one another He is referring to not pursuing justice, where justice is due, but rather seeking to foster reconciliation by not holding grudges or resentment against persons.
Mark 2:6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!