Who can forgive sins but God alone?

[bdavidc]

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? ~ Luke 5:21 KJV

Only God has the authority to forgive sins. No angel in heaven nor any human being on earth—regardless of their righteousness or spiritual calling—possesses such power. Even if Jesus were only a virtuous man or a mighty prophet, he would not have the authority to forgive sins. Yet Scripture and the witness of his life reveal far more: Jesus is truly God. He demonstrated divine authority not only by declaring sins forgiven but also by displaying his power to heal and by perceiving the thoughts of those around him—something no mere mortal can do. His healing of the paralyzed man was not just a display of compassion but a visible sign confirming his divine right to pardon sin.

Forgiveness belongs to God alone, and since Jesus forgives, it is evident that the fullness of God dwells in him. Those who affirm that only God can forgive sins are correct in their doctrine, yet they go astray when they deny Christ’s divinity and accuse him of blasphemy. In doing so, they fail to perceive that God was working in and through Christ from the very beginning. They overlook the reality that Jesus is the true Light, and that his miracles were not tricks or illusions, but the unmistakable works of God. When people reject the Redeemer—the crucified and risen Son of God—they do more than misunderstand him; they diminish the glory and power of God himself. To grasp the truth of forgiveness, one must recognize the divine nature of Christ. He is not a created being acting on God's behalf—he is God incarnate, full of grace and truth, who alone can remove the guilt of sin and reconcile us to the Father.

Know the Bible - March 22

 

[Johanabrahams]

Forgiveness starts with God and enters our Life where we are Forgiven. And then we grow some more in God Life where He is our "Abba Father/Daddy" and enter His Holy Spirit to Forgive just as He Forgives. Perfectly.

Mat. 18:
21 ¶Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

And then we grow some more in God Life and create the Same Righteousness in others to Forgive like we do too. Perfectly. This is all in Revelation of the Sacrifice of God given to all mankind. Where all are Forgiven and we enter it and start Living it and start Edifying everyone to be in the Same Holy Spirit of God Living in Grace just as He does.

 

[Rhema]

Who can forgive sins, but God alone? ~ Luke 5:21 KJV

Only God has the authority to forgive sins.

I can forgive sins. Jesus commanded me to forgive sins.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. ... Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.​

(Matthew 6:12-15 KJV)

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.​

(Luke 11:4 KJV)

Might the Jews not be mistaken?

Rhema

(And since you're wrong about this, what else might you be wrong about? - Just asking.)

 

[bdavidc]

The passages you quoted from Matthew 6 and Luke 11 are speaking about interpersonal forgiveness, not the divine forgiveness of sin that only God can grant. When Jesus instructs us to forgive others, He is teaching us to release personal grievances, bitterness, or offenses committed against us. This is a matter of the heart and obedience, showing the grace to others that God has shown to us. However, this kind of forgiveness is distinct from the forgiveness of sins in the ultimate, eternal sense—something that only God can do, as sin is ultimately against Him (Psalm 51:4).

So when we forgive someone, we are obeying Christ by letting go of personal wrongs. But when it comes to the guilt of sin before God and the removal of that guilt, only God has the authority to forgive. Jesus made this clear in passages like Mark 2:7-10, where it is stated plainly that only God can forgive sins.

As for whether the Jews were mistaken, Scripture is clear that many did misunderstand the nature of Christ’s mission and the authority of God. But this doesn’t mean that all Jewish understanding was in error, nor does it change the fact that only God forgives sin.

And if it turns out that one is wrong about something, the appropriate response is not pride but humility—testing all beliefs against the full counsel of Scripture. The goal should always be to align every conviction with the truth of God’s Word, not to win arguments, but to walk in the truth.

 

[joestue]

this kind of forgiveness is distinct from the forgiveness of sins in the ultimate, eternal sense—something that only God can do, as sin is ultimately against Him (Psalm 51:4).

What does... Remitted onto them in heaven mean to you?

 

[bdavidc]

What does... Remitted onto them in heaven mean to you?

I am not sure where you got that statement from. Can you give me more information?

 

[Garee]

I am not sure where you got that statement from. Can you give me more information?

One source to forgive the same source that rebukes. Only God can rebuke the father of lives . Not the Son of man Jesus

We have his powerful "labor of love" or called "work of faith" working in us but would never say it is of dying mankind, oral traditions.

2 Corinthians 4:7;But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

 

[Brad Huber]

You can forgive sins of those who hurt you or hurt those you care about. We are to be like Jesus and forgive people. Am I correct in assuming that you mean forgive people their sin against God alone?

 

[bdavidc]

You can forgive sins of those who hurt you or hurt those you care about. We are to be like Jesus and forgive people. Am I correct in assuming that you mean forgive people their sin against God alone?

Yes, you are absolutely right to make that distinction. We are indeed called to forgive those who sin against us personally, just as Jesus taught us to forgive others as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:32). This kind of forgiveness is essential for our relationships and our walk with God—it reflects His mercy and grace in our lives. However, when it comes to the forgiveness of sin in the ultimate sense—sin against God—it is clear in Scripture that only God has the authority to forgive. All sin, even when committed against others, is ultimately a violation of God's law and holiness (Psalm 51:4). While we can and should release others from personal offense, only God can cleanse a person from guilt and reconcile them to Himself.

Yes, yes, we should "forgive sins of those who hurt us or hurt those we care about. We are to be like Jesus and forgive people."

Thank you for pointing that out.
God bless you.

 

[Brad Huber]

Yes, you are absolutely right to make that distinction. We are indeed called to forgive those who sin against us personally, just as Jesus taught us to forgive others as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:32). This kind of forgiveness is essential for our relationships and our walk with God—it reflects His mercy and grace in our lives. However, when it comes to the forgiveness of sin in the ultimate sense—sin against God—it is clear in Scripture that only God has the authority to forgive. All sin, even when committed against others, is ultimately a violation of God's law and holiness (Psalm 51:4). While we can and should release others from personal offense, only God can cleanse a person from guilt and reconcile them to Himself.

Yes, yes, we should "forgive sins of those who hurt us or hurt those we care about. We are to be like Jesus and forgive people."

Thank you for pointing that out.
God bless you.

My blood brother who took his own life after dealing with a treacherous wife (that he attached himself to without consideration of what she is like... good reasons to not get married to quickly to someone you just dont know that well), made my mother so angry that she vowed she would find her and kill her. My mother only was able to darken her own heart on the matter and fortunately wasnt able get the revenge she wanted. Its wise to realize that forgiveness is important or it will darken our own souls and our relationship with God.

 

[Rhema]

The passages you quoted from Matthew 6 and Luke 11 are speaking about interpersonal forgiveness, not the divine forgiveness of sin that only God can grant.

But of course. However, your OP made no distinction. Nor does your lengthy rejoinder alter the fact that I can forgive sin.

nor does it change the fact that only God forgives sin.

So after all of the waxing eloquence, you again arrive at a didactic statement ... "the fact that only God forgives sin." This is not true, and you even agreed.

I can forgive sins.

If you're demanding that I make equivocation then please just do so yourself.

Scripture is clear that many did misunderstand the nature of Christ’s mission and the authority of God.

So, you just pick and choose what they misunderstand and what they don't? Seems rather convenient.

The goal should always be to align every conviction with the truth of God’s Word, not to win arguments, but to walk in the truth.

In truth, then, which Word? Which Word of God? (There are two, you know.)

Kindly,
Rhema

the appropriate response is not pride but humility—testing all beliefs against the full counsel of Scripture.

Not all scripture is Scripture. Who made the choice for you?

 

[Rhema]

Jesus made this clear in passages like Mark 2:7-10, where it is stated plainly that only God can forgive sins.

Yet that's not what Jesus actually said.

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)​

(Mark 2:10 KJV)

It seems like you read the words "Son of man" but yet change it to "God" up inside your mind. Please, that's not an accusation, just an observation, since Jesus never "stated 'plainly that only GOD can forgive sins" in Mark 2:7-10. Is there a translation I'm missing?

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)​

(Mark 2:7-10 KJV)

Look, I'm not trying to create strife or enmity, all I'm asking is that we read the actual words that are written.

And even today, it is not "only God can forgive sins," -

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.​

(John 20:23 KJV)

(Whatever one might make of that...)

Rhema

 

[Garee]

Yet that's not what Jesus actually said.

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)​

(Mark 2:10 KJV)

It seems like you read the words "Son of man" but yet change it to "God" up inside your mind. Please, that's not an accusation, just an observation, since Jesus never "stated 'plainly that only GOD can forgive sins" in Mark 2:7-10. Is there a translation I'm missing?

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)​

(Mark 2:7-10 KJV)

Look, I'm not trying to create strife or enmity, all I'm asking is that we read the actual words that are written.

And even today, it is not "only God can forgive sins," -

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.​

(John 20:23 KJV)

(Whatever one might make of that...)

Rhema

I would offer we read the actual words that are written and search as for silver or gold for the spiritual understanding hid from the lost

Surely, we do not promote Catholicism. Sinner forgiving other sinners of an eternal debt.

The one appointment death all of mankind is working out yoked with Christ he makes our daily burdens lighter with a hope beyond what the eyes see the temporal dying creation.

It seems some forget the powerful words the Holy Father Christ gave to the Son of man Jesus the apostle sent with prophecy are the power by which he raises the dead and rebukes. the word of the lord I rebuke not the Son of man Jesus (powerless)

John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

The Son of Man Jesus is accredited with no power as he declared in John 6 his dying flesh profits for zero.

Only Christ the anointing Holy Spirit of the Father can forgive the eternal debt.

 

[bdavidc]

Yet that's not what Jesus actually said.

Rhema

Let me make it really simple. You can forgive someone if they hurt you—that means you stop being mad at them. But you cannot take away their sin before God. Only God can do that. If someone does something wrong, they need to be made right with God, and only God can forgive them in that way. You can forgive what they did to you and stay friends, but only God can forgive what they did against Him.

The Bible teaches that only God (Jesus is God) can truly forgive sins, because all sin is ultimately against Him. In the story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man (Mark 2:5–7), people were shocked when Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven,” because they believed only God could do that. While we are told to forgive each other when someone hurts us—like it says in Ephesians 4:32—this is different from God’s forgiveness. We forgive to heal our relationships with others, but only God can take away the guilt of sin. The good news is that Jesus, who is God’s Son, has the authority to forgive sins and make us right with God.

The Bible teaches that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). This means that every part of the Bible is important and should be taken seriously. When someone says, “Not all scripture is Scripture,” it challenges the idea that the whole Bible is trustworthy. But according to Scripture itself, the writings we now have in the Bible were recognized over time by the early church as being inspired by God—not chosen by one person, but confirmed through careful testing, consistency with God’s message, apostolic authority, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The goal is not to trust in human decisions but to humbly submit every belief to the whole message of God’s Word, letting Scripture interpret Scripture.

According to the Bible, a person may not be able to understand Scripture because spiritual understanding comes from God. In 1 Corinthians 2:14, it says that the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolish to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned. This means that without the help of the Holy Spirit, a person may struggle to grasp the true meaning and purpose of God’s Word. Understanding the Bible isn’t just about reading words on a page—it involves the heart being open to God. When someone resists God or approaches Scripture with pride, unbelief, or a closed heart, they may miss what God is saying. But when someone seeks Him humbly and sincerely, God promises to give wisdom and understanding through His Spirit (James 1:5, John 16:13).

To understand a person must be born again.

 

[Butch5]

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? ~ Luke 5:21 KJV

Only God has the authority to forgive sins. No angel in heaven nor any human being on earth—regardless of their righteousness or spiritual calling—possesses such power. Even if Jesus were only a virtuous man or a mighty prophet, he would not have the authority to forgive sins. Yet Scripture and the witness of his life reveal far more: Jesus is truly God. He demonstrated divine authority not only by declaring sins forgiven but also by displaying his power to heal and by perceiving the thoughts of those around him—something no mere mortal can do. His healing of the paralyzed man was not just a display of compassion but a visible sign confirming his divine right to pardon sin.

Forgiveness belongs to God alone, and since Jesus forgives, it is evident that the fullness of God dwells in him. Those who affirm that only God can forgive sins are correct in their doctrine, yet they go astray when they deny Christ’s divinity and accuse him of blasphemy. In doing so, they fail to perceive that God was working in and through Christ from the very beginning. They overlook the reality that Jesus is the true Light, and that his miracles were not tricks or illusions, but the unmistakable works of God. When people reject the Redeemer—the crucified and risen Son of God—they do more than misunderstand him; they diminish the glory and power of God himself. To grasp the truth of forgiveness, one must recognize the divine nature of Christ. He is not a created being acting on God's behalf—he is God incarnate, full of grace and truth, who alone can remove the guilt of sin and reconcile us to the Father.

Know the Bible - March 22

Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

King James Version, Jn 20:20–23.

 

[bdavidc]

Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

King James Version, Jn 20:20–23.

In John 20:23, where Jesus says, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained,” He is speaking to His disciples after His resurrection. This statement follows verse 22, where He breathes on them and says, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” The context shows that Jesus is giving His followers the authority to declare the forgiveness of sins based on the gospel message. This does not mean that the disciples themselves had the power to forgive sins independently—only God can forgive sins, as shown throughout Scripture (Isaiah 43:25; Mark 2:7). Rather, Jesus is commissioning them to preach the gospel, and when someone believes in Christ, they can declare with confidence that person's sins are forgiven. Likewise, if someone rejects Christ, they can affirm that the person's sins remain. This reinforces the truth that Jesus is God, for He alone has the authority to forgive sins, and He entrusts His messengers to proclaim that forgiveness in His name.

This verse does not give authority to Christians to forgive sins. Jesus was saying that the believer can boldly declare the certainty of a sinner's forgiveness by the Father because of the work of His Son, if that sinner has repented and believed the gospel. The believer, with certainty, can also tell those who do not respond to the message of God's forgiveness through faith in Christ that their sins, as a result, are not forgiven.

The central message of the entire Bible is that Jesus Christ paid the debt for our sin—something no one else could do. He is the only one who lived a sinless life, died in our place, and rose again, proving His authority and divinity. If Jesus, who is God, does not forgive your sin, then you remain in your sin, and there is no entrance into the kingdom of heaven. It is a sobering truth, but it is clear and simple. Many twist the Scriptures to elevate themselves, trying to take God’s place by claiming the power to forgive sin. But on the day of judgment, such claims will mean nothing. Every person will stand before God and give an account. You are free to reject the truth, but that choice has eternal consequences. As for each of us, we are responsible for how we respond to the truth revealed in Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:4, states that "whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." This highlights the spiritual blindness that prevents people from understanding the message of Christ.

 

[Butch5]

In John 20:23, where Jesus says, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained,” He is speaking to His disciples after His resurrection. This statement follows verse 22, where He breathes on them and says, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” The context shows that Jesus is giving His followers the authority to declare the forgiveness of sins based on the gospel message. This does not mean that the disciples themselves had the power to forgive sins independently—only God can forgive sins, as shown throughout Scripture (Isaiah 43:25; Mark 2:7). Rather, Jesus is commissioning them to preach the gospel, and when someone believes in Christ, they can declare with confidence that person's sins are forgiven. Likewise, if someone rejects Christ, they can affirm that the person's sins remain. This reinforces the truth that Jesus is God, for He alone has the authority to forgive sins, and He entrusts His messengers to proclaim that forgiveness in His name.

This verse does not give authority to Christians to forgive sins. Jesus was saying that the believer can boldly declare the certainty of a sinner's forgiveness by the Father because of the work of His Son, if that sinner has repented and believed the gospel. The believer, with certainty, can also tell those who do not respond to the message of God's forgiveness through faith in Christ that their sins, as a result, are not forgiven.

The central message of the entire Bible is that Jesus Christ paid the debt for our sin—something no one else could do. He is the only one who lived a sinless life, died in our place, and rose again, proving His authority and divinity. If Jesus, who is God, does not forgive your sin, then you remain in your sin, and there is no entrance into the kingdom of heaven. It is a sobering truth, but it is clear and simple. Many twist the Scriptures to elevate themselves, trying to take God’s place by claiming the power to forgive sin. But on the day of judgment, such claims will mean nothing. Every person will stand before God and give an account. You are free to reject the truth, but that choice has eternal consequences. As for each of us, we are responsible for how we respond to the truth revealed in Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:4, states that "whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." This highlights the spiritual blindness that prevents people from understanding the message of Christ.

But you said "NO" man can forgive sins. The apostles were men.

However, you have a contradiction here. You said Jesus paid the debt for our sins and then later you said He forgave said sins. You called it a debts for sin. A debt can be paid or forgiven; it cannot be both. This is the problem with Penal Atonement. It's a contradiction.

 

[bdavidc]

But you said "NO" man can forgive sins. The apostles were men.

If you read the post, you'd see that the apostles didn't forgive sins—they shared the gospel so that people would know how to receive forgiveness.

 

[bdavidc]

However, you have a contradiction here. You said Jesus paid the debt for our sins and then later you said He forgave said sins. You called it a debts for sin. A debt can be paid or forgiven; it cannot be both. This is the problem with Penal Atonement. It's a contradiction.

There is no contradiction in saying that Jesus both paid for our sins and forgave them. In Scripture, sin is often described using various metaphors—debt being one of them—but these images work together to help us understand the fullness of what Christ accomplished. When Jesus paid the debt for our sins through His death on the cross, He satisfied the justice of God, bearing the penalty we deserved. At the same time, that payment made it possible for us to be forgiven. The act of paying the debt doesn't exclude forgiveness; rather, it is the very basis upon which forgiveness is offered. For example, Colossians 2:13–14 says that God forgave us all our trespasses by "canceling the record of debt that stood against us... nailing it to the cross." In this way, the debt was both paid and canceled—paid by Christ, so that it could be canceled for us. This is not a contradiction but a beautiful harmony of justice and mercy, where God's righteous judgment is upheld and His grace is freely given.

 

[Butch5]

There is no contradiction in saying that Jesus both paid for our sins and forgave them. In Scripture, sin is often described using various metaphors—debt being one of them—but these images work together to help us understand the fullness of what Christ accomplished. When Jesus paid the debt for our sins through His death on the cross, He satisfied the justice of God, bearing the penalty we deserved. At the same time, that payment made it possible for us to be forgiven. The act of paying the debt doesn't exclude forgiveness; rather, it is the very basis upon which forgiveness is offered. For example, Colossians 2:13–14 says that God forgave us all our trespasses by "canceling the record of debt that stood against us... nailing it to the cross." In this way, the debt was both paid and canceled—paid by Christ, so that it could be canceled for us. This is not a contradiction but a beautiful harmony of justice and mercy, where God's righteous judgment is upheld and His grace is freely given.

The word debt is not in the Greek text. That's the translation of ones who hold Penal Atonement. However, no matter how one twists it a debt cannot be both forgiven and paid for. The two are mutually exclusive. What you're espousing is church doctrine, not Biblical doctrine. Also, Paul said the wages of sin is death. Paul called death the reward we earn for sin. Sin can't be both a debt and wages. Again these two are mutually exclusive. This idea of a debt paid to God is a Reformation teaching, not a Biblical one.