How do we know that Jesus has authority to forgive sins?

The authority of Jesus to forgive sins is foundational to the Gospel and is rooted in His divine nature as God incarnate. His sacrificial death, in which He was made sin for His people, satisfies the debt required by God's law (Romans 6:6). Following His resurrection, He ascended to the throne where He now reigns and intercedes for those who believe. Passages such as Ephesians 1:19-20 affirm that God raised Jesus and set Him at His right hand in heavenly places, indicating His sovereign authority. Therefore, Jesus’ authority to forgive is established not only by His divine attributes but also through His fulfillment of the law and His role as our High Priest.