Jesus forgives sins based on His sacrificial death and intercessory role, declaring it through His words and acts during His ministry.
The assurance of Jesus' capacity to forgive sins rests upon both His divine authority and the sacrificial nature of His death. As stated in Acts 13:38-39, it is through Jesus that forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, and that 'by Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things.' His forgiving nature is vividly illustrated throughout the Gospels, where He forgives individuals like the paralytic and the woman caught in adultery, emphasizing that forgiveness belongs to God alone. By praying for His enemies on the cross, Jesus demonstrates His role as the ultimate high priest who intercedes for humanity. This intercession is deeply rooted in His sacrifice, making it impossible for one to separate the act of forgiveness from Christ's atoning work on the cross, where He bore the sins of many, fulfilling His mission of redemption.
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