Unsure about repenting sins to the priests?

[GodsGirl368]

So as Easter is coming, we (Roman Catholics) should repent our sins to the priest to celebrate resurrection clean. My problem here is that the Bible doesn't say it should be performed like that. We should confess our sins only to God. But as I'm "programmed" to repent to the priest, I get scared of not doing it. Like I'm evil and a bad Christian. I'm supposed to do it today...

Any advice would help me, thanks

 

[wwjd_kilden]

Well
The bible does tell us to confess our sins to each other. It just doesn't specify priests.
So, although only the blood of Christ can save you, and only God/Christ can forgive you, there is nothing inherently wrong about confessing sins to a priest

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective

 

[michael56]

So as Easter is coming, we (Roman Catholics) should repent our sins to the priest to celebrate resurrection clean. My problem here is that the Bible doesn't say it should be performed like that. We should confess our sins only to God. But as I'm "programmed" to repent to the priest, I get scared of not doing it. Like I'm evil and a bad Christian. I'm supposed to do it today...

Any advice would help me, thanks

Be programmed to the bible, that should be the bottom line for all of us. And say you are sorry to God whenever you have wilfully erred, not wait for a specific time of year or occasion

 

[mikeuk]

So as Easter is coming, we (Roman Catholics) should repent our sins to the priest to celebrate resurrection clean. My problem here is that the Bible doesn't say it should be performed like that. We should confess our sins only to God. But as I'm "programmed" to repent to the priest, I get scared of not doing it. Like I'm evil and a bad Christian. I'm supposed to do it today...

Any advice would help me, thanks

If you are interested in some background: The delegated authority to apostles and succession is clearly given in John 20:23 for "those sins you would forgive will be forgiven them". It is important to notice as well - that this is not just a symbol of urging others to confess as some evangelicals would have you believe. Because the power is delegated to "retain sins" as well, which means this is clearly delegated authority.
Despite asking on this forum many times, nobody ever gave a credible alternative meaning to those verses, preferring instead the forum sport of attacking catholic interpretation, never providing their own.

The church fathers are important because in origin there was no new testament, not finalised for several centuries after Christ, the truth passed on by tradition of word of mouth and letter to which the apostle Paul urges believers to hold true. The new testament clearly says in this context "the pillar and foundation of truth is the church" (not the bible you notice!! - and this - me speaking as an ex protestant became evangelical, then RCC is my bone of contetion with the reformationists. Sola scriptura is not biblical, logical or historical! - so you have to question which church is the pillar of truth?)
So looking at ECF from origen on there are references - who spoke of sinners "does not shrink from declaring his sin to a PRIEST of the Lord" Cyprian of Carthage a few years later and many others since. They were speaking long before the new testament as you know it was decided at councils much later.

Believe what you will, but there is history. It was established practice up till the reformation, after which protestantism fractured into thousands of bits over differences of opinion of doctrine, many even losing bishops and priests alltogether despite the clear history there as well.. RCC as you know, has held fast to priestly confession for millenia and also some high church protestant denominations.

 

[kaylagrl]

So as Easter is coming, we (Roman Catholics) should repent our sins to the priest to celebrate resurrection clean. My problem here is that the Bible doesn't say it should be performed like that. We should confess our sins only to God. But as I'm "programmed" to repent to the priest, I get scared of not doing it. Like I'm evil and a bad Christian. I'm supposed to do it today...

Any advice would help me, thanks

We are not to take a verse out of context and make a religion. In the OT priests made sacrifices for the sins of the people.No one could just approach God. That was the priests job.When Jesus came there was now no need for priests.He shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins once and for all.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

No one can absolve your sins but Jesus.No man on earth died for your sin. The way you have been raised,according to the Bible,is incorrect.

[h=1]Isaiah says...“I, even I, am he who blots your transgressions, for my own sake and remembers your sins no more.[/h]Daniel says..."To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him

[h=1]Acts 10:43...All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”[/h]
[h=1]1 John...My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.[/h]
Hebrews 7:25...
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost2 kthose who draw near to God lthrough him, since he always lives mto make intercession for them.

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif] The only one you need to confess your sins to is Jesus.Anyone telling you anything different is lying to you plain and simple. Jesus became the sacrifice.Remember when Jesus died the veil was torn in two? That signifies there was no need for the blood of animals to forgive sins,or need of a priest between you and God.The Bible says we can "come boldly to the thrown " and that is because Jesus is our mediator between God and man.He doesnt want you to go to anyone else about your sins.Go to HIm who shed His blood for your,and all our,sins. Hope that is of help to you.[/FONT]

 

[mikeuk]

We are not to take a verse out of context and make a religion. In the OT priests made sacrifices for the sins of the people.No one could just approach God. That was the priests job.When Jesus came there was now no need for priests.He shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins once and for all.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

No one can absolve your sins but Jesus.No man on earth died for your sin. The way you have been raised,according to the Bible,is incorrect.

Isaiah says...“I, even I, am he who blots your transgressions, for my own sakeand remembers your sins no more.

Daniel says..."To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him

Acts 10:43...All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”


1 John...My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.


Hebrews 7:25...
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost2kthose who draw near to God lthrough him, since he always lives mto make intercession for them.

The only one you need to confess your sins to is Jesus.Anyone telling you anything different is lying to you plain and simple. Jesus became the sacrifice.Remember when Jesus died the veil was torn in two? That signifies there was no need for the blood of animals to forgive sins,or need of a priest between you and God.The Bible says we can "come boldly to the thrown " and that is because Jesus is our mediator between God and man.He doesnt want you to go to anyone else about your sins.Go to HIm who shed His blood for your,and all our,sins. Hope that is of help to you.

Steady on Kaylagirl, "lying" is a bit strong! the bible says different in the verses I quoted - and moreover the role of presbyters is not only referred on occasion in the New Testament , as needed for a sacrament, but bishops and so on were clearly part of Christianity in the early church, and priestly confession noted as well established in church fathers long before the New Testament canon you rely on was finalised.

I notice you have done what I said - when such as you contest john 20:23 you NEVER provide a credible alternative meaning for such verses, as always attacking the catholic view. Plus ca change....

 

[mikeuk]

I should also say in this context that there is a difference between mortal and venial sin cannot be clearer in 1 john 5 16:18 for which praying is stated as not enough, and it is in that context that the Catholic Church bases the sacrament on john 20:23, in the end of course we are saved by grace, and Jesus will decide, but the sacrament gives a wonderful sense of renewal and the slate wiped clean.

 

[kaylagrl]

Steady on Kaylagirl, "lying" is a bit strong! the bible says different in the verses I quoted - and moreover the role of presbyters is not only referred on occasion in the New Testament , as needed for a sacrament, but bishops and so on were clearly part of Christianity in the early church, and priestly confession noted as well established in church fathers long before the New Testament canon you rely on was finalised.

I notice you have done what I said - when such as you contest john 20:23 you NEVER provide a credible alternative meaning for such verses, as always attacking the catholic view. Plus ca change....

The Bible is clear that Christ is the only one who can forgive sins. Plenty of Scripture to prove that. Jesus blood replaced animals blood. Jesus replaced the need for a priest.The veil rent in two did away with all of that.Jesus is now the sacrifice. We can come to Him and He intercedes to the Father.Im pretty sure we'd agree on that.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

we are told to confess our sins to one another, not for forgiveness, or to have someone tell us to do some act of penance and we will be forgiven, but to be healed. One does not have to be a priest to confess your sins to, One can be your disciple. or you and another brother or sister haveg a discipleship meeting, where you help each other overcome these sin habits.

Stick to the word of God, and not the words of men, and you find this healing.

 

[mikeuk]

The Bible is clear that Christ is the only one who can forgive sins. Plenty of Scripture to prove that. Jesus blood replaced animals blood. Jesus replaced the need for a priest.The veil rent in two did away with all of that.Jesus is now the sacrifice. We can come to Him and He intercedes to the Father.Im pretty sure we'd agree on that.

And again the scripture you fail to explain john 20:23. So the bible is NOT as clear as you claim!
You may be surprised that the catholic church even agrees with Christ the only one that can forgive!- that it believes the priest who absolves is acting in "persona christi" in doing so, the channel through which christ acts if you like, but the sacrament considered valid because of John 20:23.
That is no different to for example the sacrament of laying of hands or annointing with oil (various references, timothy, james etc) . It is not the one administering who has power of their own, but the holy spirit working through them.

 

[JackH]

If you are interested in some background: The delegated authority to apostles and succession is clearly given in John 20:23 for "those sins you would forgive will be forgiven them". It is important to notice as well - that this is not just a symbol of urging others to confess as some evangelicals would have you believe. Because the power is delegated to "retain sins" as well, which means this is clearly delegated authority.
Despite asking on this forum many times, nobody ever gave a credible alternative meaning to those verses, preferring instead the forum sport of attacking catholic interpretation, never providing their own.

Let's not forget that the Catholic Church sold the forgiveness of sin, which was one of Martin Luther's objections that sparked the Reformation.

I do not agree with your interpretation of John 20:23 whatsoever. The interpretation should be that apostles and/or the church did not have the power to forgive sin but should preach the Gospel so that those who believe in Jesus can find forgiveness of sin in Him.

 

[Lynx]

To the OP: What immediately crossed my mind is, "I'm pretty sure the priest isn't looking forward to hearing about it any more than the congregation is looking forward to confessing it."

 

[JackH]

that it believes the priest who absolves is acting in "persona christi" in doing so, the channel through which christ acts if you like, but the sacrament considered valid because of John 20:23.

Christ does not need a channel through which to act.

Does God forgive a sin because a priest or others say it is forgiven?

Is a sin necessarily forgiven because a priest says absolution has been given and the person is again reconciled with God.

 

[mikeuk]

Let's not forget that the Catholic Church sold the forgiveness of sin, which was one of Martin Luther's objections that sparked the Reformation.

I do not agree with your interpretation of John 20:23 whatsoever. The interpretation should be that apostles and/or the church did not have the power to forgive sin but should preach the Gospel so that those who believe in Jesus can find forgiveness of sin in Him.

Let us not forget either that most of luthers "gripes" were about paid indulgencies and at the next council of Trent only a few years after, the Pope SPECIFICALLY spoke out against that very practice! Some of what went on was shameful. But people are flawed, and since the RCC is so big it has a lot of flawed people! . That period was a symbol for the fact that people should talk more to understand each other and attack each other less. Personalities got in the way. On both sides. RCC is big and slow to react, and needed more diplomacy and less showboating on lUthers part. But react it did, given time.

On your second point the verses are a DIRECT reference to the ability of "you" to "forgive" AND "retain" sins. So saying this is an allegory for preaching the gospel does not make sense, particularly in respect of "retain"
I have yet to see ANY credible alternative explanation than the literal form of the verses. The power to forgive and retain sins given to "them"

 

[JackH]

we are told to confess our sins to one another, not for forgiveness, or to have someone tell us to do some act of penance and we will be forgiven, but to be healed. One does not have to be a priest to confess your sins to, One can be your disciple. or you and another brother or sister haveg a discipleship meeting, where you help each other overcome these sin habits.

Stick to the word of God, and not the words of men, and you find this healing.

I don't disagree with what you said, but I don't think there is an absolute requirement to confess your sins to others.

The context of James 5:16 in light of the preceding verses is the church praying for someone who is sick.

So verse 16 would be applicable to, for example, someone who confesses in church an addiction problem and the church prays for him/her.

 

[kaylagrl]

And again the scripture you fail to explain john 20:23. So the bible is NOT as clear as you claim!
You may be surprised that the catholic church even agrees with Christ the only one that can forgive!- that it believes the priest who absolves is acting in "persona christi" in doing so, the channel through which christ acts if you like, but the sacrament considered valid because of John 20:23.
That is no different to for example the sacrament of laying of hands or annointing with oil (various references, timothy, james etc) . It is not the one administering who has power of their own, but the holy spirit working through them.

You are making a theology out of one verse.I dont have to go against the verse you gave.That verse has to be taken in context with other verses that make clear Jesus is the sacrifice for our sins.Only a perfect,sinless sacrifice could take away sins.The animals represented the blood of Christ. Then He made the sacrifice for all.And in doing that He made a path for us to approach the throne of grace.We no longer need priests.I know what Catholics believe.We dont need a channel to God,we have one,Jesus,He is our priest now,not a man.You are taking one verse out of context.No one can absolve sin but Jesus,the ONLY mediator between God and man.Not the priest.He is not sinless,he is human and flawed the same way I am. Jesus is the Lamb,the only Mediator and the one who forgives sin.

 

[mikeuk]

You have done it again Kayla.

No explanation of those verse at all. What do YOU think they mean, if not what they actually SAY - that "those sins you would forgive will be forgiven them, those sins you would retain will be retained? -

So why do you think that verse is there at all?

Notice that is hot on the heels of "what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven" "loose on earth will be loosed in heaven"

Nor do you explain why by the time of Origen (long before the new testament finalization) it is documented as established practice.
And the faith was handed on by tradition of word of mouth and letter Paul says so!

Jesus did not give the first christians a new testament. He gave them a covenant, and apostles to hand tradition (which means a handing down) The new testament came later.

You are making a theology out of one verse.I dont have to go against the verse you gave.That verse has to be taken in context with other verses that make clear Jesus is the sacrifice for our sins.Only a perfect,sinless sacrifice could take away sins.The animals represented the blood of Christ. Then He made the sacrifice for all.And in doing that He made a path for us to approach the throne of grace.We no longer need priests.I know what Catholics believe.We dont need a channel to God,we have one,Jesus,He is our priest now,not a man.You are taking one verse out of context.No one can absolve sin but Jesus,the ONLY mediator between God and man.Not the priest.He is not sinless,he is human and flawed the same way I am. Jesus is the Lamb,the only Mediator and the one who forgives sin.

 

[JackH]

On your second point the verses are a DIRECT reference to the ability of "you" to "forgive" AND "retain" sins. So saying this is an allegory for preaching the gospel does not make sense, particularly in respect of "retain"
I have yet to see ANY credible alternative explanation than the literal form of the verses. The power to forgive and retain sins given to "them"

Well, I'll give it to you in a commentary then. This is from my NKJV Nelson Study Bible:

John 20:23 If you forgive: The apostles did not take Jesus' words to mean that they had the power to forgive sins (see Acts 8:22). They knew that only God could forgive sins (see Mark 2:7). Neither the apostles nor the church had the power to forgive specific sins or to prevent forgiveness for any individual. Fundamentally Jesus was speaking of the responsibility of the church to declare the gospel to all the world, so that those who believe in Jesus can find the precious gift of forgiveness (See Matt. 16:19).

 

[Galahad]

We are not to take a verse out of context and make a religion. In the OT priests made sacrifices for the sins of the people.No one could just approach God. That was the priests job.When Jesus came there was now no need for priests.He shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins once and for all.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

No one can absolve your sins but Jesus.No man on earth died for your sin. The way you have been raised,according to the Bible,is incorrect.

Isaiah says...“I, even I, am he who blots your transgressions, for my own sakeand remembers your sins no more.

Daniel says..."To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him

Acts 10:43...All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”


1 John...My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.


Hebrews 7:25...
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost2kthose who draw near to God lthrough him, since he always lives mto make intercession for them.

The only one you need to confess your sins to is Jesus.Anyone telling you anything different is lying to you plain and simple. Jesus became the sacrifice.Remember when Jesus died the veil was torn in two? That signifies there was no need for the blood of animals to forgive sins,or need of a priest between you and God.The Bible says we can "come boldly to the thrown " and that is because Jesus is our mediator between God and man.He doesnt want you to go to anyone else about your sins.Go to HIm who shed His blood for your,and all our,sins. Hope that is of help to you.

Can't argue with that. It's straight from the Bible. I pray it is believed.

 

[JackH]

You have done it again Kayla.

What she did was to get it exactly right.