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John 20:19-31 "THE RETAINING OF SINS"

Day 347 – John 20

THE RETAINING OF SINS

The preaching of the message of forgiveness may be difficult to practise, but it can be comprehended easily enough. What is more challenging would be this phrase,

“… if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
John 20:23

What awesome words these are! How should we understand this statement?

THE CASE OF JUDGMENT AGAINST ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

Perhaps we would be able to understand this phrase better if we study how Peter handled the problem of two people who pretended to be believers! This couple somehow managed to deceive everybody and were accepted into the Church at Jerusalem.

Their true nature soon came to the fore. They schemed to deceive the Church further. They would pretend that they were generous when the reverse was true! Let us read what Luke recorded.

“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira
his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of
the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and
brought a certain part and laid it at the apostle’s feet.
But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your
Heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of
the price of the land for yourself? While it remained,
was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not
in your own control? Why have you conceived this
thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to
God.’ Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down
and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those
who heard these things.”
Acts 5:1-5 (Acts 5:7-10)

Peter had just exercised the authority that Jesus spoke about! At Pentecost, Peter had preached a powerful message of forgiveness! Three thousand had repented of their sins and were baptized into Christ that day. On this occasion, Peter had to “retain” the sins of Ananias! He had allowed Satan to fill his heart, just as Judas had allowed the Devil to enter into his heart! He had showed no sign of repentance even though he must have heard many messages since he was a member of the Jerusalem Church! His sins were retained! How awesome it is to wield such authority! Ananias (and his wife too) paid with their lives! Their sins had not been forgiven! They died in their sins!

THE CASE OF SIMON THE SORCERER

Another case may be cited to help us understand the awesome responsibility that Jesus was entrusting to His Disciples. The Church at Jerusalem had come under persecution, and many believers were forced to flee for their lives!

Philip, one of the seven men chosen to assist the Apostles in their work, had gone to Samaria. He seized the opportunity to preach the Gospel of Christ to them. He enjoyed startling success in his evangelistic preaching ministry. He was also given special powers to perform miracles (Acts 8:6-7).

All these things amazed Simon who was a well-known sorcerer in that region. He had been in the limelight until Philip came along. Like Ananias and Sapphira, he too decided that he would play along. If baptism was the way to enter into that fellowship, he would seek baptism! His desire was not to learn more about Jesus, but to discover the source of power in Philip’s ministry.

Meanwhile, the Church at Jerusalem received a report that Samaria had opened its doors to the preaching of the Gospel. Peter and John were sent to verify the news! Had Samaria indeed embraced the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? That would be great, for they would then be fulfilling the Commission that Jesus had given to them just before His Ascension (Acts 1:8).

When Peter and John came to Samaria, Simon the Sorcerer was absolutely astounded! Why, these men were even “greater” than Philip the evangelist! At the laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit came upon those who believed!

Immediately, Simon approached Peter and John and said,

“Give me this power also, that anyone on whom
I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 8:19

Great discernment was needed! How should Peter respond? Was this incident one for speaking about forgiveness or about retention of sins?

Peter replied, boldly and forthrightly.

“Your money perish with you, because you thought
that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
You have neither part nor portion in this matter,
for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray
God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be
forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by
bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
Acts 8:20-23

How could Peter decide what to do so swiftly and accurately? Jesus had given him the Spirit of God. He was right there, giving wisdom and discernment to Peter to make the right decision! The ministry Jesus entrusted to His Disciples would require a deep and intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit indeed!