Jesus Grants Authority to Forgive Sins
John 20:21 (RSV):
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
In this verse, Jesus conveys to his apostles that they are being sent forth in a similar manner as he was sent by the Father. Just as Jesus was given the authority to forgive sins during his earthly ministry, he now grants this authority to his apostles and, by extension, to their successors.
Summary and Expansion: Jesus, having been sent by the Father with the authority to forgive sins, bestows a similar authority upon his apostles. This act of sending them out parallels the divine mission entrusted to Jesus by the Father. Therefore, just as Christ forgave sins during his time on earth, he delegates this power to the apostles, indicating a continuity of divine commission and authority.
John 20:22 (RSV):
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
In this verse, Jesus breathes upon the apostles, imparting the Holy Spirit to them, and subsequently grants them the power to forgive sins. This action echoes the divine act of breathing life into Adam in Genesis 2:7.
Summary and Expansion: Jesus, by breathing the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, symbolizes a profound spiritual transformation akin to the creation of humanity in Genesis. Just as God breathed life into Adam, Jesus breathes the Spirit into his chosen emissaries, endowing them with divine authority. This intimate gesture signifies the impartation of spiritual power, particularly the authority to forgive sins, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of the Church’s sacramental ministry.
John 20:23 (RSV):
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Jesus affirms the apostles’ authority to forgive or retain sins, indicating the significance of their role in the forgiveness of sins. This authority necessitates confession from penitents, as the apostles cannot discern sins without oral confession.
Summary and Expansion: In this verse, Jesus explicitly grants the apostles the power to forgive sins, highlighting the pivotal role they play in the dispensation of divine mercy. The language used underscores the solemn responsibility entrusted to them: they possess the authority to either grant absolution or retain sins. However, this authority is contingent upon the confession of sins by individuals, emphasizing the sacramental nature of forgiveness within the Christian community.
Matthew 9:8 (RSV):
When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
This verse acknowledges that God has granted authority to forgive sins to “men,” indicating that this authority is not exclusive to Christ but extends to his chosen representatives on earth.
Summary and Expansion: The astonishment of the crowds at witnessing Jesus granting authority to forgive sins underscores the divine origin of this power. The phrase “authority to men” emphasizes that this privilege is not restricted solely to Christ but is also conferred upon human agents. Consequently, those who accept the apostolic authority to forgive sins acknowledge the continuation of this divine commission through successive generations within the Church.
Matthew 9:6; Mark 2:10:
But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”
These verses demonstrate that Jesus, as the Son of Man, possesses the authority to forgive sins, thereby establishing the legitimacy of his earthly ministry.
Summary and Expansion: Through the forgiveness of sins during his earthly ministry, Jesus establishes his authority as the Son of Man. This divine prerogative reinforces his identity as the Messiah and serves as a compelling demonstration of his power to grant absolution. Moreover, by forgiving sins in his human capacity, Jesus underscores the transferability of this authority to his appointed representatives, ensuring the continuation of his redemptive mission beyond his earthly sojourn.
Luke 5:24 (RSV):
But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”
In this verse, Luke reaffirms Jesus’ authority to forgive sins as the Son of Man, emphasizing the earthly dimension of this divine prerogative.
Summary and Expansion: Luke’s inclusion of this narrative reinforces the theme of Jesus’ authority as the Son of Man to forgive sins. By highlighting the earthly aspect of this authority, Luke underscores its relevance to human experience and the tangible manifestation of divine mercy within the context of Jesus’ ministry. This affirmation serves to validate the continuation of this authority within the apostolic succession, ensuring the perpetuation of forgiveness as a central tenet of Christian faith and practice.
Authority to Bind and Loose
Matthew 18:18 (RSV):
Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Jesus grants the apostles the authority to bind and loose, indicating their power to administer and alleviate the consequences of sin, both temporally and spiritually.
Summary and Expansion: In this verse, Jesus bestows upon the apostles the authority to bind and loose, a concept deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. This authority extends beyond mere forgiveness of sins to include the administration and mitigation of temporal penalties associated with wrongdoing. The parallelism between earthly and heavenly binding and loosing underscores the divine endorsement of the apostolic ministry, affirming their role as stewards of divine justice and mercy within the Christian community.
John 20:22-23; Matthew 18:18 – Power to Remit/Retai In these verses, the power granted to Christ’s ministers to remit or retain sins is also understood to encompass the authority to remit or retain the temporal penalties due to sin, commonly referred to as indulgences.
Summary and Expansion: The authority vested in Christ’s ministers to forgive sins is inseparable from their capacity to address the consequences of wrongdoing. This includes not only absolving individuals of their guilt before God but also alleviating the temporal penalties incurred by sin. The power to remit or retain sins extends to the temporal realm, allowing for the exercise of divine mercy and justice in restoring individuals to a state of grace. Thus, the concept of indulgences emerges as a manifestation of this broader authority entrusted to Christ’s representatives, affirming their role as mediators of divine forgiveness and reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 2:10 (RSV):
Any one whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ,
Paul forgives in the presence of Christ, suggesting a profound spiritual dimension to the act of forgiveness.
Summary and Expansion: In this verse, Paul’s forgiveness is conducted in the presence of Christ, implying a direct connection between his actions and the divine presence. The phrase “in persona Christi” underscores the spiritual authority conferred upon Paul as a minister of Christ, enabling him to extend divine forgiveness to others. This intimate association with Christ’s presence highlights the sacred nature of forgiveness within the Christian community, affirming the role of ordained ministers as instruments of divine grace and reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18 (RSV):
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
God, through Christ, entrusts the ambassadors of the Church with the ministry of reconciliation, signifying their role in facilitating forgiveness and healing.
Summary and Expansion: The ministry of reconciliation bestowed upon the ambassadors of the Church underscores their pivotal role in effecting spiritual restoration and healing. As representatives of Christ, they are entrusted with the sacred task of reconciling humanity to God through the proclamation of forgiveness and the administration of sacramental grace. This ministry encompasses the sacrament of reconciliation, also known as confession or penance, wherein believers find solace and restoration through the confession of sins and the reception of absolution. Thus, the sacramental life of the Church becomes a tangible expression of God’s reconciling love, mediated through ordained ministers empowered by Christ himself.
James 5:15-16 (RSV):
And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.
This passage illustrates the authority of priests to forgive sins within the sacrament of the sick and emphasizes the importance of confessing sins to one another for spiritual healing.
Summary and Expansion: James affirms the authority of priests to forgive sins within the context of administering the sacrament of the sick, wherein the forgiveness of sins accompanies physical healing. The sacramental efficacy of confession and prayer is underscored as integral to the process of spiritual restoration and healing. Moreover, the communal aspect of confession is emphasized, highlighting the importance of mutual accountability and support within the Christian community. By confessing sins to one another, believers participate in the healing ministry of the Church, fostering a culture of humility, reconciliation, and spiritual growth.
1 Timothy 2:5 (RSV):
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
While Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity, he delegates the ministry of forgiveness to his ordained priests.
Summary and Expansion: Although Christ alone serves as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, he chooses to work through ordained priests to administer his redemptive grace. By entrusting them with the ministry of forgiveness, Christ extends his mediation to the faithful, ensuring access to divine mercy and reconciliation. Thus, while acknowledging Christ’s unique role as mediator, believers recognize the indispensable role of ordained ministers in mediating God’s forgiveness and fostering spiritual renewal within the Christian community.
Leviticus 5:4-6; 19:21-22 – Forgiveness Under the Old Covenant Even under the Old Covenant, God utilized priests to forgive and atone for the sins of the people, foreshadowing the sacramental ministry of forgiveness within the Christian Church.
Summary and Expansion: The Old Testament examples of priestly mediation in the forgiveness and atonement of sins foreshadow the sacramental ministry established within the Christian Church. These passages underscore the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, wherein God’s redemptive plan unfolds progressively through the agency of ordained priests. By acknowledging the priestly role in mediating forgiveness under the Old Covenant, believers recognize the divine continuity and legitimacy of the sacramental ministry of reconciliation within the Christian tradition.
Oral Confession of Sins
James 5:16 (RSV):
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.
James exhorts believers to confess their sins to one another, emphasizing the communal aspect of confession within the Christian community.
Summary and Expansion: James underscores the necessity of confessing sins within the Christian community, linking confession with spiritual healing and restoration. The instruction to confess sins to one another reflects the communal nature of sin and redemption, highlighting the importance of mutual accountability and support in the pursuit of spiritual growth. Furthermore, the context of James 5:14-15 suggests that confession is intertwined with the sacramental ministry of priests within the Church, emphasizing the role of ordained ministers as conduits of divine grace and forgiveness.
Acts 19:18 (RSV):
Many also of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.
The practice of oral confession is evidenced among believers in the early Church, indicating its importance as a means of spiritual renewal and reconciliation.
Summary and Expansion: The accounts in Acts demonstrate the widespread practice of oral confession among early Christians, underscoring its significance as a central aspect of Christian discipleship. The act of confessing sins openly reflects a deep sense of accountability and humility within the faith community, fostering an environment conducive to spiritual growth and transformation. Moreover, the inclusion of confession among believers underscores its enduring relevance as a timeless spiritual discipline essential for nurturing authentic Christian fellowship and personal renewal.
Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5:
And they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Here, individuals publicly confess their sins to John the Baptist as part of the baptismal ritual, highlighting the historical practice of oral confession.
Summary and Expansion: The accounts of individuals confessing their sins to John the Baptist during baptism illustrate the longstanding tradition of oral confession within the Jewish religious context. This public acknowledgment of wrongdoing underscores the integral role of confession in the process of spiritual purification and renewal. By openly acknowledging their sins, individuals demonstrate a willingness to confront their shortcomings and seek divine forgiveness, thus laying the foundation for a transformative encounter with God’s grace and mercy.
1 Timothy 6:12 (RSV):
Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
This verse references the historical practice of publicly confessing both faith and sins before many witnesses.
Summary and Expansion: Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to “make the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” underscores the public nature of confession within the early Christian community. The act of confessing one’s faith and sins before others signifies a commitment to personal integrity and transparency in the pursuit of spiritual maturity. Moreover, the communal aspect of confession reflects the interconnectedness of believers in their shared journey of faith, encouraging mutual encouragement and accountability in the pursuit of godliness.
1 John 1:9 (RSV):
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This verse emphasizes the necessity of confessing sins to receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing.
Summary and Expansion: John underscores the essential role of confession in the experience of divine forgiveness and spiritual purification. The conditional statement “if we confess our sins” highlights confession as a prerequisite for receiving God’s mercy and grace. Furthermore, the assurance of God’s faithfulness and justice in forgiving sins underscores the transformative power of confession in restoring individuals to a state of righteousness. Thus, confession emerges as a fundamental aspect of the believer’s relationship with God, serving as a pathway to reconciliation and spiritual renewal.
Numbers 5:7 (RSV):
And they shall confess their sin which they have done; and he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it, and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong.
This verse illustrates the historical practice of publicly confessing sins and making restitution under the Old Covenant.
Summary and Expansion: The directive for individuals to confess their sins publicly under the Old Covenant underscores the communal dimension of confession within the religious life of ancient Israel. The requirement for restitution further emphasizes the accountability and responsibility inherent in confession, as individuals are called to acknowledge their wrongdoing and make amends for their actions. This practice reflects a holistic approach to justice and reconciliation, wherein confession serves as a catalyst for both spiritual and social restoration within the community.
2 Samuel 12:14 (RSV):
Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child that is born to you shall die.
Despite David’s forgiveness, there are still consequences for his sin, illustrating the distinction between forgiveness and temporal punishment.
Summary and Expansion: The story of David’s sin and its consequences highlights the distinction between divine forgiveness and temporal punishment. While God forgives David for his transgression, the loss of his child serves as a sobering reminder of the lasting effects of sin. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that forgiveness does not exempt individuals from the consequences of their actions, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability and moral responsibility. Thus, while forgiveness offers spiritual restoration, it does not negate the need for individuals to confront the repercussions of their wrongdoing.
Nehemiah 9:2-3 (RSV):
And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place and read from the book of the law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God.
The Israelites publicly confess their sins and intercede for one another before the assembly, highlighting the communal nature of confession within the religious life of ancient Israel.
Summary and Expansion: The collective confession of sins by the Israelites underscores the communal aspect of confession within the religious life of ancient Israel. The act of confession is intertwined with worship and the reading of God’s law, reflecting a holistic approach to spiritual renewal and obedience. Moreover, the intercessory dimension of confession emphasizes the interconnectedness of the community in their shared pursuit of righteousness and reconciliation. Thus, confession emerges as a central component of communal worship and ethical renewal within the religious life of ancient Israel.
Sirach 4:26 (RSV):
Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, and do not try to stop the current of a river.
This verse encourages individuals not to be ashamed of confessing their sins, drawing an analogy between confession and the unstoppable flow of a river.
Summary and Expansion: The admonition not to be ashamed of confessing sins underscores the importance of humility and honesty in the pursuit of spiritual growth and moral integrity. The metaphor of the unstoppable current of a river emphasizes the futility of attempting to suppress or conceal wrongdoing, highlighting the inevitability and necessity of confession as a means of personal and moral renewal. Moreover, the assurance of God’s mercy and forgiveness offers encouragement to those who acknowledge their faults, affirming confession as a pathway to spiritual liberation and divine grace.
Baruch 1:14 (RSV):
And you shall read aloud this scroll which we send you, in your houses and in all the assembly of Israel; and you shall say: “The Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of public confession before the assembly of Israel, acknowledging God’s righteousness and the people’s disobedience.
Summary and Expansion: The directive to read aloud the scroll and confess sins before the assembly underscores the communal dimension of confession within the religious life of ancient Israel. The act of confession is intertwined with the acknowledgment of God’s righteousness and the people’s failure to obey his commands, reflecting a collective commitment to repentance and renewal. Moreover, the public nature of confession underscores its significance as a communal act of worship and ethical reaffirmation, fostering a sense of accountability and solidarity within the faith community. Thus, confession emerges as a central component of Israel’s religious identity and communal piety, serving as a catalyst for spiritual restoration and moral transformation.
1 John 5:16-17 (RSV):
If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin which is mortal; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal.
This passage distinguishes between mortal and venial sins, underscoring the importance of confessing mortal sins for forgiveness and salvation.
Summary and Expansion: John distinguishes between mortal and venial sins, highlighting the seriousness of mortal sins and their implications for salvation. The distinction between mortal and venial sins underscores the significance of confession in addressing grave moral transgressions and restoring individuals to a state of grace. Moreover, the emphasis on the need to pray for those who commit non-mortal sins underscores the communal aspect of confession and intercessory prayer within the Christian community. Thus, confession emerges as a vital means of spiritual renewal and reconciliation, enabling believers to confront their moral failings and seek divine forgiveness for the salvation of their souls.
Luke 12:47-48 (RSV):
And that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.
This passage underscores the principle of accountability and the varying degrees of responsibility based on knowledge and opportunity.
Summary and Expansion: The parable of the faithful and unfaithful servants highlights the principle of accountability and the consequences of disobedience. The severity of punishment is proportionate to the level of knowledge and responsibility entrusted to individuals, emphasizing the importance of moral discernment and faithful stewardship. Moreover, the passage underscores the inherent relationship between privilege and obligation, suggesting that greater blessings entail greater accountability before God. Thus, confession serves as a means of acknowledging one’s moral failings and seeking reconciliation with God, thereby fulfilling the demands of faithful stewardship and accountability in the Christian life.
Teachings of the Ante-Nicene Fathers on Confession
The Ante-Nicene Fathers, a group of early Christian writers who lived before the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325, provide valuable insights into the practice of confession within the early Church. Their writings underscore the importance of oral confession as a means of spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and restoration within the Christian community. Here are some key excerpts from their works:
Epistle of Barnabas, 19:12 (AD 74):
“Do not come to prayer with a guilty conscience.”
Didache, 4:14,14:1 (c. AD 90):
“In church confess your sins, and do not come to your prayer with a guilty conscience…first confess your sins, so that your sacrifice may be pure.”
Ignatius, Epistle to the Smyrnaeans, 9 (c. AD 110):
“It is well to reverence both God and the bishop.”
Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 1:13 (AD 180):
“Iranaeus recounts how individuals openly confessed their sins, seeking restoration and forgiveness within the Church community.”
Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition, 3 (AD 215):
“Hippolytus outlines the role of the bishop as a minister of reconciliation, empowered to forgive sins through the high priestly Spirit.”
Tertullian, Modesty, 1 (AD 220):
“Tertullian refers to the bishop as the ‘Pontifex Maximus,’ emphasizing his authority to remit sins through the sacrament of penance.”
Origen, Homilies on Leviticus, 2:4 (AD 248):
“Origen speaks of the necessity of confession to a priest for the remission of sins, highlighting the sacramental nature of forgiveness.”
Cyprian, To the Clergy, 9 (16):2 (AD 250):
“Cyprian addresses the issue of admitting penitents to communion before completing their penance, emphasizing the importance of confession and reconciliation within the Church community.”
Cyprian, To the Lapsed, 28-29 (AD 251):
“Cyprian urges believers to confess their sins to God’s priests while they are still in this world, seeking the salutary medicine of confession and remission.”
These excerpts from the writings of the Ante-Nicene Fathers attest to the early Church’s practice of oral confession as a vital component of spiritual life and communal worship. Confession was regarded as essential for receiving forgiveness, restoring fellowship with God and the Church, and fostering spiritual growth and renewal among believers. The writings of these early Christian leaders provide valuable insights into the development of the sacrament of confession within the historical and theological context of the early Church.