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Who can forgive sins according to the Bible?

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Only God has the authority to forgive sins, as it is fundamentally a matter of His justice.

Biblically, the authority to forgive sins belongs solely to God because all sin is ultimately against Him. This principle is clearly articulated in Psalm 51:4, where David acknowledges that sin is against God alone. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, demonstrated His divine authority by forgiving sins (Mark 2:5-7), which drew opposition from the religious leaders who understood that only God can forgive sins. This reality emphasizes the importance of Christ’s sacrifice, as it is through His death and resurrection that forgiveness is made possible for believers. Therefore, Christians recognize that while God's ministers pronounce forgiveness through the message of the Gospel, it is God who ultimately does the forgiving.
Scripture References: Psalm 51:4, Mark 2:5-7

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