John Calvin Commentary Luke 7:48

"And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven." — Luke 7:48 (ASV)

Thy sins are forgiven. It may be asked, why does Christ now promise to her the pardon which she had obtained and of which she had been assured? Some reply that these words were uttered, not so much on her own account, as for the sake of others. For my own part, I have no doubt that it was chiefly on her own account; and this appears more clearly from the words that follow. Nor should we wonder, that the voice of Christ again pronounces absolution for the woman, who had already tasted his grace and who was even convinced that he was her only refuge of salvation.

Thus, today, faith is first necessary when we pray that the Lord would forgive our sins; and yet this is not a useless or superfluous prayer, but its object is that the heavenly Judge may more and more seal his mercy on our hearts and in this manner give us peace. Though this woman had brought with her a confident reliance on that grace which she had obtained, yet this promise was not superfluous, but contributed greatly to the confirmation of her faith.