fusionatl

I have a question. John 20:23 says that Jesus told the disciples that they have to the ability to provide/deny forgiveness. I read it before, but never thought much of it. I know Jesus died for our sins and that God forgives and Jesus forgives...I'm unaware of sin being unforgiveable other than blaspheming the Holy Spirit. How is it possible for the disciples to deny forgiveness to someone? Does this cover any believer or was it just something for the disciples? I'm not sure what this means. Can someone shed some light?

John 20: 21-23

21Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

Hey Eddie, my understanding is that scripture isn't talking about our ability to forgive people personally. Unfortunately, this is something that certain sects have kind of taken & run with. It isn't talking about our ability to forgive... it's about our priviledge to announce their forgiveness.

Because it's late (and I'm exhausted!) I found a few quotes from a commentary for you...

Forgiveness of sins is one of the major benefits of the death of Jesus. It is the essence of the New Covenant (cf. Matt 26:28; Jer 31:31-34). Proclaiming the forgiveness of sins was the prominent feature of the apostolic preaching in the Book of Acts. Jesus was giving the apostles (and by extension, the church) the privilege of announcing heaven's terms on how a person can receive forgiveness. If one believes in Jesus, then a Christian has the right to announce his forgiveness. If a person rejects Jesus' sacrifice, then a Christian can announce that that person is not forgiven.

Jesus gave them the privilege of telling new believers that their sins have been forgiven because they have accepted Jesus' message. All believers have this same privilege. We can announce the forgiveness of sin with certainty when we ourselves repent and believe. Those who don't believe will not experience the forgiveness of sins; their sins will be retained (i.e., not forgiven).

ok, cool thanks. We actually went over this in my small group and came up with the same answer. It was just odd that out of the blue this statement was made.