Evening, August 10

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

"The Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins."

  Matthew 9:6

   Behold one of the great Physician's mightiest arts: he has power to
   forgive sin! While here he lived below, before the ransom had been
   paid, before the blood had been literally sprinkled on the mercy-seat,
   he had power to forgive sin. Hath he not power to do it now that he
   hath died? What power must dwell in him who to the utmost farthing has
   faithfully discharged the debts of his people! He has boundless power
   now that he has finished transgression and made an end of sin. If ye
   doubt it, see him rising from the dead! behold him in ascending
   splendour raised to the right hand of God! Hear him pleading before the
   eternal Father, pointing to his wounds, urging the merit of his sacred
   passion! What power to forgive is here! "He hath ascended on high, and
   received gifts for men." "He is exalted on high to give repentance and
   remission of sins." The most crimson sins are removed by the crimson of
   his blood. At this moment, dear reader, whatever thy sinfulness, Christ
   has power to pardon, power to pardon thee, and millions such as thou
   art. A word will speak it. He has nothing more to do to win thy pardon;
   all the atoning work is done. He can, in answer to thy tears, forgive
   thy sins today, and make thee know it. He can breathe into thy soul at
   this very moment a peace with God which passeth all understanding,
   which shall spring from perfect remission of thy manifold iniquities.
   Dost thou believe that? I trust thou believest it. Mayst thou
   experience now the power of Jesus to forgive sin! Waste no time in
   applying to the Physician of souls, but hasten to him with words like
   these:--


   "Jesus! Master! hear my cry;

   Save me, heal me with a word;

   Fainting at thy feet I lie,

   Thou my whisper'd plaint hast heard."