"THE SON OF MAN HATH POWER UPON EARTH TO FORGIVE SINS." Whose sins? Yours, if you believe in Jesus. For to Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God pardons for Christ's sake every one who believes, confesses and forsakes his sin. He thus proves Himself ready to forgive, plenteous in mercy, and full of compassion to all who call upon Him. He never refuses to pardon nor manifests the least reluctance. Nor ought we to doubt for one moment the promise, seeing His word is so plain; His grace is so great; His mercy is so free; and His faithfulness so clearly proved. What then do we want? Only faith to believe God's word, that we, believing in Jesus, having confessed our sin at His throne, and prayed for pardon in Christ's name, are forgiven all our trespasses. And this is needful, for we can never mortify sin, live above the world, rejoice in God, and honour the gospel, but as we believe these sweet words of Jesus, "Thy sins are forgiven thee."

For Meditation:
How high a privilege to know
Our sins are all forgiven!
To bear about this pledge below,
This special grant of heaven!
O Lord, this privilege bestow
To cheer me while I dwell below.