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Text: Matthew 9:1-8
Based on what the Lord Jesus Christ says, these five men are not coming to have their friend healed. The healing in this account is clearly secondary to the forgiveness of sins which is the point. Based on the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, the paralytic man is a willing participant. He isn’t being carried to the Lord Jesus Christ against his will. The paralytic man wants to be where the Lord Jesus Christ is preaching to hear him.
Now what the Lord Jesus Christ says is not going to fit into Old Testament forgiveness being because people kept the law.
Faith that brings forgiveness
- …thy sins be forgiven thee… (vs 2)
- Justification by faith
- This is not just the faith of the four, but of the five. The man with palsy wanted to come hear the Lord Jesus Christ preach. The reason I say that is because of what the Lord says. Jesus heals people on the basis of other people’s faith, but I don’t see him forgiving sins based on someone else’s faith.
- He didn’t see their sacrifices at the temple. He didn’t see how much good this guy has done. What Jesus Christ responds to is faith.
- Mark 2:5 & Luke 5:20 both record the Lord Jesus Christ forgiving his sin based on faith
- Forgiveness of sins is based on faith
- Romans 3:26-30
- Psalm 32:1-5 & Romans 4:1-8, verses 6-8 are the ones we’re looking for. In Psalm 32:3-4 David describes a guilty conscience and unwillingness to acknowledge his sin. Then in verse 5 he acknowledges his sin and the Lord and is forgiven.
- Galatians 2:14-16, 3:6-11
Only God can forgive sins (vs 3)
- The scribes protest among themselves in disbelief.
- Only God can forgive sins (Mark 2:7 & Luke 5:21) which is true.
- Isaiah 43:14-15, 22-26 (forgiven and justified)
- How God will be able to offer forgiveness is found here:
- Ephesians 1:7
- Colossians 1:14, 2:13
Healing to prove that forgiveness of sins has now come to Israel
- …that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins…
- Healing was proof that Jesus Christ could forgive sins.
