Forgiveness Is Proclaimed in Christ’s Name

Listen closely to the last thing the risen Lord told His disciples about how sinners get forgiven, because it tells you where forgiveness is found and how it is received:

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations…” (Luke 24:47, KJV)

Preached: in His name. Not applied with water. Proclaimed. Forgiveness is announced in the name of Jesus and received by faith in Him.

Bound to the blood, offered in the name

And what is that name backed by? Blood. “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). John pointed and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29): the Lamb, not the laver. He “is the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 2:2). So forgiveness is bound to His blood and offered in His name, and never, not once, applied by baptismal water.

The apostles preached it, and God proved it

Hear how the apostles preached it: “through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43); “through this man is preached… the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified” (Acts 13:38–39). The Jerusalem council settled it: God is “purifying their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9). And God Himself proved the order in Cornelius’ house: the Holy Ghost fell “while Peter yet spake” and they heard the word (Acts 10:44): sealed by faith before they ever touched the water (Acts 10:48). So be baptized gladly in obedience, but know where your pardon comes from: the name of Jesus, pleaded by faith, backed by His blood. Glory to God.

Related Teaching

• The Blood of Christ and Salvation
• Sin, Forgiveness, Cleansing, and Redemption