1. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
A Great Promise Fulfilled Divine Forgiveness A Few Conclusions All Things New

2. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
A Great Promise Fulfilled
The Holy Spirit becomes the presence of God in us.
He will be with us forever – John 14:16.
The world can’t accept Him – 14:17.
He lives with us and in us – 14:17.
He teaches us – 14:26.
He reminds us of Jesus’ words – 14:26; 15:26.

3. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
A Great Promise Fulfilled
The Holy Spirit becomes the presence of God in us.
He convicts us of sin, shows God’s righteousness, announces God’s judgment on evil – John 16:8.
He guides into truth and gives insight into future events – 16:13.
He brings glory to Christ – 16:14.

4. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
A Great Promise Fulfilled
The Holy Spirit can’t be understood by unbelievers.
The Holy Spirit speaks a heavenly message of service, sacrifice, and faith not known to unbelievers.
The Holy Spirit reverses one’s way of thinking.
The Holy Spirit begins with a different starting point.

5. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
Divine Forgiveness
Can men, such as a priest, forgive sins?
Scripture teaches that there is none who can forgive sins but God – Mark 2:5-7.

6. Mark 2:5-7 (ESV)
5  And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6  Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,
7  “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

7. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
Divine Forgiveness
Can men, such as a priest, forgive sins?
Scripture teaches that there is none who can forgive sins but God – Mark 2:5-7.
There is no instance in any of the New Testament books of any apostle taking on himself the authority to absolve or pardon anyone – Acts 10:43.

8. Acts 10:43 (NASB)
43  “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

9. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
Divine Forgiveness
Can men, such as a priest, forgive sins?
The Roman view of a special priesthood does not fit this context – Luke 24:18, 33.
In the best texts, the verbs “are remitted” and “are retained” are in the perfect tense.
“Whosoever” and “them” are plural, meaning this is not about individuals.
Luke 24:46-48 clears all this up. Context is always important in interpretation!

10. Luke 24: (NASB)
46  and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day,
47  and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
48  You are witnesses of these things.”

11. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
A Few Conclusions
If this interpretation is true, then ...
The mission of the Church in the world must contain involvement and proclamation.
The words of Jesus about forgiveness and retention of sin throw emphasis on the priesthood of all believers.
True involvement and proclamation come only after true repentance and belief.

12. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
All Things New
Have you been made new?
Christ is known in a new way.
Believers are given a new title – brethren.
Believers are told of Jesus’ new position.
Believers occupy a new place – apart from the world.
Believers are assured of a new blessing – peace.

13. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
All Things New
Have you been made new?
Believers are given a new privilege – Jesus in our midst.
Believers have a new joy through the risen Jesus.
Believers receive a new commission – to go.
Believers are a new creation – breathing.
Believers have a new indweller – Holy Spirit.

14. A Great Consolation John 20:22-23
Application
God made all these things new for you!
Have you been made new?
Do you have peace with God?
Has that given you the peace of God?
As a result of this, how in the world are you?
Do you know the power of the Holy Spirit?
Are you involved and proclaiming in that power?