As the Father sent His Son to announce forgiveness, so Jesus sent His disciples to do the same. Jesus gave to His followers “the keys of the kingdom” so that “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:19).
Forgiveness of sin is “the key” that unlocks the relationship between God and man. Such forgiveness is possible because Jesus died and rose for our sins. We are sent as His ambassadors to announce this good news and proclaim the forgiveness of sins for those who repent and believe in Jesus. What an awesome task! Through the Spirit’s power, our words become the word of God, as we implore people on Christ’s behalf, “be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).
Let Jesus Himself again speak peace to us! Hear and respond to His invitation to “receive the Holy Spirit.” Let Him send us as He was sent by His Father, empowered fully to forgive freely in His Name!
