## Only God Can Forgive Sins The biblical narrative consistently teaches that all sin ultimately transgresses against God Himself ([Daniel 9:9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/DAN.9.9); [Exodus 34:7](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/EXO.34.7)). Nevertheless, Scripture affirms that God, in His boundless mercy, stands ready to forgive those who earnestly seek Him and repent ([Psalm 130:4-8](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/PSA.130.4-8); [Jeremiah 31:34](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JER.31.34); [Isaiah 43:25](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.43.25)). As human beings are created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/GEN.1.27)), actions that harm others or oneself are not only personal offenses but are viewed as affronts against God. The term 'image' (_selem_) in historical contexts often refers to an idol or physical representation, suggesting that humans, as God's 'images,' are meant to embody and reflect His character and authority on earth ([[Richard_Middleton2005-jw]], [[Day2014-tu]]). When we sin against each other, it's not just a violation against another person; it's a desecration of the divine image within us, hence a direct offense against God Himself. Forgiveness for sins primarily resides with God and the directly affected individual. For instance, if a person wrongs another—such as in the case of sexual abuse—it is not within a third party's authority or right to extend forgiveness on behalf of the victim. This is because forgiveness, in a biblical context, is deeply personal and contingent upon the relationship between the victim and the transgressor, and ultimately, between the individual and God. Only the aggrieved party has the prerogative to forgive the offender for the personal harm done, just as only God can forgive the sin as it is an offense against His divine order and law. ## Jesus Forgives Sins In The Place Of God The Bible is also clear that Jesus can and does forgive sin as well ([Mark 2:5-12](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.2.5-12); [Luke 5:20-21](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.5.20-21), [5:20](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.5.20), [7:48](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.7.48); [Acts 5:31](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.5.31); [Matthew 9:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.9.2); [Colossians 3:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/COL.3.13); [James 5:15](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JAS.5.15); [1 John 1:9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/1JN.1.9), [2:12](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/1JN.2.12);), Mark describes this as the **authority** to forgive sins: > [!bible]+ [Mark 2:5-12 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/41/2/) > 5. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6. Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7. “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8. And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9. Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10. But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he said to the paralytic — 11. “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12. And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” %% #Mark %% When Jesus declared that the Son of Man "has authority on earth to forgive sins," He was revealing His identity ([Colossians 2:9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/COL.2.9); [Philippians 2:6-7](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/PHP.2.6-7)). He is not claiming to exercise a delegated power; rather, He is stating that He _is_ forgiveness itself. This distinction is crucial: Jesus is not just performing acts of forgiveness as one who has been given permission; He embodies forgiveness, holding the inherent authority to absolve sins. This aligns with the biblical understanding that only God can forgive sins, thereby asserting Jesus as the exact iamge of everything God is ([Hebrews 1:3](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/HEB.1.3)). Through these actions and words, Jesus distinguishes Himself not as an ordinary human or a mere intermediary but as God's presence and forgiveness incarnate. Thus, the act of forgiving sins directly associates Jesus with the divine, conclusively affirming His identity as God manifested in the flesh ([John 10:30](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.10.30)).