Today’s question: Why couldn’t God just forgive humanity? Why did he need to send Jesus?

Question: Why couldn’t God just forgive humanity? Why did he need to send Jesus?

Answer: Mere forgiveness would have done absolutely nothing to redeem mankind from perpetual slavery to Satan, sin and death. Much more was required before forgiveness would be practical and effective.

Satan had no power over the sinless and divine man, Jesus Christ. So Jesus was the only one with the ability to overcome Satan, sin and death, for us.

Once that was successfully accomplished, forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God quickly became the number one priority of the Christian (Catholic) Church.

In fact, the first thing Jesus did, after he rose again from the dead, was to give the Apostles the power to forgive sins, in his name:

John 20:19-23 Now when it was late the same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them: Peace be to you. And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord. He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.