Since sins can only be forgiven through the shedding of blood according to Hebrews 9:22, many wonder how Jesus could forgive sins before His crucifixion. The answer lies in understanding God's eternal nature and the predetermined plan of salvation.

As the eternal Son of God, Jesus possessed the divine authority to forgive sins at any point in history. The power to forgive wasn't limited to after His death - rather, His death was the means by which forgiveness would be accomplished for all time, covering sins past, present, and future.

This concept is confirmed in Revelation 13:8, which refers to Jesus as "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." From God's eternal perspective, Christ's sacrifice was already accomplished, even before creation. This is why Old Testament believers could also receive forgiveness through their faith in God's promised redemption.

Consider these key points:

• Jesus demonstrated His divine authority to forgive sins through miracles, like healing the paralyzed man (Mark 2:1-12)
• God exists outside of time and sees past, present, and future simultaneously
• Christ's sacrifice was effective for all time periods, not just after His death
• The cross was the fulfillment of God's eternal plan, not its beginning

When Jesus pronounced forgiveness before the cross, He did so based on His divine nature and the certainty of His upcoming sacrifice. His words weren't premature - they were a demonstration of His authority as God incarnate and the assurance of His redemptive mission. This same forgiveness remains available today through faith in His completed work on the cross.

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