August 10, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"The Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins." — Matthew 9:6 · KJV

Behold one of the great Physician's mightiest arts: He has power to forgive sin! While He lived here below, before the ransom was paid, before the blood was literally sprinkled on the mercy seat, He had power to forgive sin. Has He not that power now that He has died? What power must dwell in Him who has faithfully discharged the debts of His people to the last farthing! He has boundless power now that He has finished transgression and made an end of sin. If you doubt it, see Him rising from the dead; behold Him raised in ascending splendor to the right hand of God; hear Him pleading before the eternal Father, pointing to His wounds, urging the merit of His sacred passion. What power to forgive is here! "He hath ascended on high, and received gifts for men." "He is exalted on high to give repentance and remission of sins." The most crimson sins are washed away by the crimson of His blood. At this moment, dear reader, whatever your sinfulness, Christ has power to pardon — power to pardon you, and millions such as you. A word will speak it; He has nothing more to do to win your pardon, for all the atoning work is done. In answer to your tears He can forgive your sins today and make you know it; He can breathe into your soul this very moment a peace with God that passes all understanding, springing from the full remission of your many sins. Do you believe that? I trust you do. May you feel now the power of Jesus to forgive sin! Waste no time in coming to the Physician of souls, but hasten to Him, crying that He would hear you and heal you with a word — that, fainting at His feet, your whispered plea has reached Him.