JESUS GIVES THE SPIRIT
JOHN 20:21-23
Introduction:
There are two great truths mentioned by the Lord in these verses. The first is the giving of the Holy Spirit to indwell the believer. The second is that of the forgiveness of sins not by man, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
I. THE SPIRIT GIVEN
A. Our Lord’s breathing upon the Apostles reminds us of when God breathed life into Adam, Genesis 2:7, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
B. God breathed the Word of God referring to the inspiration of His Word, 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
C. In the same fashion Jesus breathed the Spirit of God into each individual, v. 22, “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:”
1. Here we see the Spirit of God indwelling a new creature in Christ, Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
a. The Spirit of God, Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
b. The Spirit of Christ, Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
c. The Spirit of Truth, John 14:17, “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
2. The Spirit of God now lives in the believer, Galatians 4:6-7, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
3. The presence of the Spirit is one of the tests of life.
a. We know that we are His sons by the presence of His Spirit, 1 John 3:24, “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.”
b. We know that we dwell in Him by the presence of the Holy Spirit in us, 1 John 4:13, “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.”
II. THE QUESTION OF FORGIVING SIN
A. There is no instance in the New Testament of any apostle forgiving sin.
1. Peter speaking of Jesus Christ.
a. Jesus the Savior, Acts 5:31, “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
b. Remission of sins through His name, Acts 10:43, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
2. Paul speaking of the Lord.
a. Through this Man,.. Acts 13:38, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:”
b. Through the shedding of His blood, Matthew 26:28, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
c. To receive forgiveness of sins, Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
1) In whom=In Jesus, Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
2) Redemption through His blood, Colossians 1:14, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
B. The Apostles spoke by the authority of Christ.
1. Paul magnified or honored the ministry of his office, Romans 11:13, “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:”
2. God’s chosen vessel to the Gentiles to preach the truth, 1 Timothy 2:7, “Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”
3. Paul never forgave anyone his sins, but preached forgiveness through Jesus Christ.