Mark 2:6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, I. THAT HUMAN REASONINGS ARE BUSY WITH THE FACT OF THE DIVINE FORGIVENESS. "Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God only?" 1. Some men question the ability of Christ to forgive sin. 2. Some men seek to understand the process by which sin is forgiven. They wish to understand the mental philosophy of forgiveness, and because they cannot they deride it as a delusion. Is it to be expected that men shall be able to trace the Divine action in its method of forgiveness upon the human soul? Can men infallibly submit the subtle influences of heaven to their rude and vulgar tests, as they would the thoughts and mental actions of men? No! Who, by searching, can find out God? And certainly in His forgiving influence upon the human soul He is an unsearchable mystery. 3. Some men repudiate the evidences of the Divine forgiveness. They ask, how do we know that a man is forgiven; and what is the difference between him and any unforgiven individual? The evidence of it is in the hatred of sin, and in the purity of life which it inspires. And this witness is true. The world should receive it as such. II. THAT CHRIST REFUTES THE MENTAL REASONINGS OF MEN IN REFERENCE TO THE FIAT OF DIVINE FORGIVENESS. The reasonings of these men were refuted: 1. By the test of consciousness. The palsied man knew that his sins were forgiven in response to the Divine voice. 2. By the miracle of healing. Forgiveness heals the life.Lessons: 1. Not to cavil at the method of the Divine forgiveness. 2. To receive it with adoring gratitude. 3. To attest it by a holy life. Parallel Verses KJV: But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,WEB: But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, |
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