Gospel of John 09.vp

218

The Gospe l of John

d. Jesus’ empowered vision: If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld, 20.23. (1) Acts 2.38 – And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (2) Acts 10.43 – To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (3) Acts 13.38-39 – Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything [39] from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

D. Jesus appears to Thomas, 20.24-28

1. Thomas, one of the Twelve called the Twin , was not with them when Jesus came , 20.24.

2. The testimony of the disciples to Thomas: We have seen the Lord , 20.25a.

3. Thomas’s doubt: Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe , 20.25b.

a. Falling away, Heb. 3.12 – Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.

b. Shrinking back, Heb. 10.38-39 – “but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul