Bible Discussion Thread

Can a believing Christian forgive sin the Name of Jesus

Hi Phil,

We are to forgive others (and tell them so) who have sinned against us because our own sins are forgiven in Jesus (we can say that, too.) Having an attitude of forgiveness is really important because we will sin against others and them against us throughout our lives.

We can tell people that their sins are forgiven when they repent from them and believe the gospel that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and the sins of those who believe in Him are forgiven and removed from us.

We can assure a penitent believer caught up in sin to remember that we can confess our sins to Jesus and He is faithful and just to forgive us.

So, I would say, yes, to your question. But the forgiveness really comes from God, not men, even our ability to forgive others who sin against us is from the Holy Spirit within us to work in us this forgiving spirit.

Thank you, I believe if someone asks you to bless them, or can you forgive me, I say to them, believe all your sins forgiven in Jesus name and precious Blood. Or close to that.

Yes, this is the "Good News" we are to tell others-that their sins are forgiven in the name of Jesus, by the power of Jesus, through the blood sacrifice of Jesus!

No. We have no authority to do so. That Catholic nonsense.

Very interesting question. Only God can forgive sin; but we are told to "confess our sins to one another". ( James 5:16). We are told to reconcile with a brother before "offering a gift before the altar" ( Matthew 5:24). If we bear unforgiveness in our hearts; then the effectiveness of His grace is stunted; for the woman who put the perfume on Christ was forgiven much so she loved much ( Luke 7:47).

All of us individually are accountable before God. We can forgive "seventy times seven" ( Matthew 18:22); and Ephesians 4:32 indicates that we are to forgive others even as God has forgiven us. If we don't forgive others then God won't forgive us according to Matthew 6:14-15. This wouldn't necessarily indicate that we are nonbelievers; but if we don't bear fruit "worthy of repentence" ( Matthew 3:8-10) then we have to seriously test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).

So the short answer is that God can only forgive others if they are wanting forgiveness. Each of us is judged individually; and since we are not God we don't have the authority as Christ did to forgive sins as the Pharisees stated only God can forgive sins ( John 20:23). Confessing our sins to one another can allow transparency so that the Lord can possibly speak a word of wisdom which in turn gives someone a better understanding of themselves; as well as clearing up what can be a stone wall in relationships ( Prov. 18:19). The best we can do is a formulaic process to give a partial assessment of sins in others as only God knows the intentions and motives of the heart even if the Spirit gives us a glimpse into such things. It is the same as asking can we save anyone by "confessional regeneration". The words are only effective if God grants one repentance first ( Acts 11:18; etc). Indirectly then; forgiving one another allows God to repair the sin or estrangement with Him.

Thanks to all.