Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.21-23]
Jesus' disciples (the ones He prayed for in John 17 including all who come into faith because of them) were told clearly to minister as Jesus ministered (as commissioned by the Father). This, by itself, could be considered for eternity. However there is something else here that Jesus said that reveals much.
When Jesus said, "Receive the Holy Spirit..." He did not leave that open for interpretation but instead defined what it meant: If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. Nothing more clearly defines the role of Christ-followers than this passage right here!
Everything about Jesus' work on earth revolved around forgiveness.
Everything about anyone claiming to be "Christ-like" revolves around forgiveness. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. Every miracle, healing, preaching of the Gospel, and deliverance of any kind is the work of forgiveness - the work of the Holy Spirit.
The power of of Jesus Christ was found in the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus forgave.
Anyone who claims the power of the Holy Spirit but whose ministry is not clearly one of forgiveness, is mistaken.
There IS a reason forgiveness is addressed as it is in the Bible! There is a reason Jesus taught us to pray, "forgive us our debts AS we forgive our debtors." There is a reason Jesus told his naysayers:
Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” [Matthew 9.5-6]
It is not ironic that Jesus referred to forgiving in Matthew 9.5-6 as "authority" and then later "authorize" His followers to forgive in John 20.21-23!
Again, forgiveness is paramount to being Christ-like. Forgiveness is paramount to being a Christian. Forgiveness is paramount to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Father, may we be found in forgiveness.
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