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In John 20:23, Jesus tells His disciples, “If you forgive anyone their sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” The essence of the gospel message is that sins are forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Acts 10:43-44 records Peter stating, “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” First John 5:1-5 emphasizes that only those who believe in Jesus will overcome the world. Luke 5:20 recounts Jesus saying, “When Jesus saw their faith, He said ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’” Colossians 2:13-14 highlights Jesus forgiving all our sins. These verses affirm Jesus as the forgiver of sins, forgiving all our sins. If we have genuine faith in Him, no one else can later declare us unforgiven for a sin. So, what did Jesus mean in John 20:23?
Only God can forgive sins, and as Christ is God, He has the authority to forgive sins. However, Jesus did not delegate this authority to His disciples, nor did they claim it. The key to understanding John 20:23 lies in the preceding verses: “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” He commissioned them, as He commissions us, to spread the good news of salvation and heaven worldwide. Although Jesus was departing physically, He assured them of God’s presence through the Holy Spirit within them. As they preached the gospel, they could truthfully declare forgiveness to believers and warn unbelievers of their condemnation in God’s eyes. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
For the one who does not believe in the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” «He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.», (John 3:36).
Believers today have the same mission given to us! We are obligated to share the gospel message, the way to heaven, with others in the world. We carry out that mission with the Holy Spirit living inside us, guiding us as we share His truth. We are required to tell people that the only way to be forgiven is through faith. Jesus said in John 8:24, “If you do not believe that I am (God), you will indeed die in your sins.” This is the core of the gospel message and the essence of what we are to convey to the world. It was Jesus’ final command to His followers before He physically left the earth—spread the message of hope and save as many as will believe in Him.
Jesus preached a vital message about forgiving our brothers, as God forgave us. We stand in grace, and He expects us to keep our hearts pure toward others, not holding grudges or harboring a spirit of unforgiveness, especially after He showed us such undeserved love and forgiveness at such a high personal cost to Himself! Jesus said those who have been forgiven much, love much «Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. », (Luke 7:47). He expects us to forgive others 70 times 7 times «Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. », (Matthew 18:22). We are also told that if we are praying but hold something against anyone, we are to forgive that person so our relationship with God is right and righteous!Colossians 3:13 states, “Forgive any grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” It is evident that we belong to Him when we show love towards our brothers, avoiding hatred or harboring unforgiveness in our hearts (1 John 2:3-6;3:14-19;4:16-21). Forgiveness plays a crucial role in demonstrating the presence of eternal life within us, as indicated in these passages. Claiming to love God while harboring hatred towards our brother makes us deceitful, lacking truth. Therefore, our ability to forgive others serves as a significant sign of genuine fellowship with God. God examines both the heart and actions, not just empty words. Jesus, during His time on earth, pointed out, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Hence, it is vital to possess a vibrant, authentic faith: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers” «We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. », (1 John 3:14).
