Did Jesus Redeem Mankind? — Page 119
? For whether is easier to say, thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say ‘Arise, and walk'?” (Matthew 9:4-5) 112 which of the two things is easier, he enquires, for the cripple to get up or to tell the sinful that he is forgiven? In the light of Christian teaching, it would be far easier to tell the cripple to be up and about than to tell the sinner that he has been forgiven. But the New Testament ascribes the following statement to the Messiah (peace be on him). "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then says he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. " (Matthew 9:1-8) First, the people registered surprise at the Messiah's declaration forgiving sins: they wondered how the son of Adam could forgive sin. The Messiah said: “But that ye may know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then says he to the sick of the palsy) Arise, take up thy bed and go unto thine house. " They were then surprised still more and “they marvelled and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. " The above incident which is narrated in the New