Turning to Thomas He said, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing." These words showed that He was acquainted with the thoughts and words of Thomas. The doubting disciple knew that none of his companions had seen Jesus for a week. They could not have told the Master of his unbelief. He recognized the One before him as his Lord. He had no desire for further proof. His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus crying, "My Lord and my God."

Kun i denne forstand har menigheden magt til at give syndsforladelse til synderen. Tilgivelse af synder kan kun opnås ved, hvad Kristus har gjort for os. Intet menneske og ingen samfundsklasse har fået magt til at befri sjælen for skyld. Kristus pålagde sine disciple at prædike syndernes forladelse i hans navn blandt alle folkeslag; men de fik ikke selv magt til at fjerne en eneste plet af synd. Jesu navn er det eneste. "Thi der er ikke under himmelen givet mennesker naget andet navn, hvorved vi kan frelses". Apg. 4,12.