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Can The Catholic Church Forgives Sins?
Catholicism teaches that it has the power
and authority to forgive people's sins. Here are a few quotes from the
Catechism. (Please note that whenever the Catechism mentions the
"Church," it is referring to the "Roman Catholic church"):
| "There is no offense, however
serious, that the Church cannot forgive." Pg. 256, #982
"By Christ's will, the Church possesses the power to forgive
the sins of the baptized..." Pg. 257, #986
"The Church, who through the bishop and his priests
forgives sins in the name of Jesus Christ..." Pg. 363-364,
#1448 |
Does the Catholic church have power to forgive sins? Let's see what
the Scriptures say:
| "Why doth this man thus speak
blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?"
Mark 2:7
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving
one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath
forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 |
According to Scripture, God wants His children to come straight to Him
for forgiveness of sins, not to a church:
| "Let us therefore
come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:16 |
This verse loudly proclaims that forgiveness of sins comes from God's
throne, not from a church. Still, Catholicism teaches a contrary
doctrine:
| "Indeed bishops and priests, by
virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power to
forgive all sins 'in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.' " Pg. 367, #1461
"The Church must be able to forgive all penitents their
offenses, even if they should sin until the last moment of
their lives." Pg. 255, #979 |
However, this man-made doctrine contradicts God' s written Word. Many
Bible characters freely approached God's throne for forgiveness of sins.
The psalmist went straight to God:
| "I acknowledged my sin unto
thee... I said, I will confess my transgressions
unto the LORD; and you forgave the
iniquity of my sin..." Psalm 32:5 |
King David went directly to God to ask forgiveness for his sins:
| "Look upon mine affliction and
my pain; and forgive all my sins."
Psalm 25:18 |
In Psalm 51, David asks God for forgiveness again:
| "Wash me thoroughly from mine
iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Against thee, thee
only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight..."
Psalm 51:2,4 |
King Solomon was also aware that he and all the children of Israel could
go straight to God to receive forgiveness for their sins:
| "Hearken therefore unto the
supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel,
which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy
dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest,
forgive." 2 Chronicles 6:21 |
God tells people to come to Him for forgiveness:
| "If my people, which are called
by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
and seek my face, and turn from their wicked
ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will
forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14 |
God never requires anyone to go through a church to receive forgiveness
for their sins.
| "For thou, Lord, art good, and
ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them
that call upon thee." Psalm 86:5
"... if any man have a quarrel against any: even
as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Colossians
3:13 |
Why then would the Catholic church insist that forgiveness of sins is
only available through her? The following Catechism quote provides the
answer:
| " Were there no forgiveness of
sins in the Church, there would be no hope of life to come
or eternal liberation. Let us thank God who has given his
Church such a gift." Pg. 256, #983 |
Rather than looking to Jesus for forgiveness of sins and eternal life,
Roman Catholics are taught that their sins can only be forgiven through
the Catholic church. Whether intentional or not, this doctrine keeps
people in bondage to the Catholic church.
Conclusion
Once again, God' s Word stands on one side, while the traditions of
men stand on the other. God says He alone forgives sins, while Catholic
tradition contends that the Catholic church has the power to forgive
sins. Which side will you choose?
| "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and
forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all
your iniquities..." Psalm 103:2-3 |
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