John Calvin Commentary Matthew 9:6

"But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, and take up thy bed, and go up unto thy house." — Matthew 9:6 (ASV)

That the Son of man hath authority on earth. This authority is very different from what was given to the apostles, and from what is now exercised by the pastors of the Church: for they cannot so properly be said to pardon sins, as to declare that they are pardoned, when they deliver the commission which is entrusted to them. By these words Christ declares that he is not only the minister and witness, but likewise the author, of this grace.

But what is the meaning of this restriction, on earth? What good will it be to us to have obtained pardon here, if it is not ratified in heaven? Christ’s meaning was that forgiveness of sins should not be sought from a distance, for he exhibits it to men in his own person, and as it were in his hands.

So strong is our inclination to distrust, that we never venture to believe that God is merciful to us, until he draws near and speaks familiarly to us. Now, as Christ descended to earth for the purpose of exhibiting to men the grace of God as present, he is said to forgive sins visibly, because in him and by him the will of God was revealed which, according to the perception of the flesh, had formerly been hidden above the clouds.