Observe now: it is quite true here that the apostle absolved a man
whose excommunication he had formerly required; but he absolved him
because the congregation absolved him; not as a plenipotentiary
supernaturally gifted to convey a mysterious benefit, but as himself
an organ and representative of the Church. The power of absolution
therefore, belonged to the Church, and to the apostle through the
Church. It was a power belonging to _all_ Christians: to the apostle,
because he was a Christian, not because he was an apostle. A priestly
power no doubt, because Christ has made all Christians kings and
priests.

Now let us turn again, with this added light, to examine the meaning
of that expression, "The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive
sins." Mark that form of words--not Christ as God, but Christ as Son
of man. It was manifestly said by Him, not solely as divine, but
rather as human, as the Son of man; that is, as Man. For we may take
it as a rule: when Christ calls himself Son of man, He is asserting
His Humanity. It was said by the High Priest of Humanity in the name
of the race. It was said on the principle that human nature is the
reflection of God's nature: that human love is the image of God's
love; and that human forgiveness is the type and assurance of divine
forgiveness.

In Christ Humanity was the perfect type of Deity, and therefore
Christ's absolution was always the exact measure and counterpart of
God's forgiveness. Herein lies the deep truth of the doctrine of His
eternal priesthood--the Eternal Son--the Humanity of the Being of
God--the ever Human mind of God. The Absolver ever lives. The Father
judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son--hath given
Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man.