Confession is a crucial part of the Christian faith. John Martignoni gives biblical citations for the Catholic teaching on confession. You might be surprised at the deep Christian roots of the priestly forgiveness of sins.
Gosh, this is so helpful to me. I’m an old Protestant that will be starting RCIA in September. I’m ‘reading ahead’ and still hadn’t found the answer to this very question yet. THANK YOU. I know I will get GRILLED by my pastors and friends (ssh, I’m actually on staff), and it will be big news when it’s known. These YouTube channels are wonderful.
terrykessinger
Like so many doctrines, sacramental confession to a priest isn't spelled out in the Bible like it is in the Catechism. But the scriptures he's referencing support it. Jesus explicitly gave his apostles authority to forgive and retain sins (implying they have to know what they are to decide), Jesus forgives the paralytic as the "Son of Man" and the people marveled that God gave such authority to MEN. Jesus deputized his apostles to preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast our demons. All Christians acknowledge that if a man heals or casts out a demon that he does so by the power and authority of Christ. Since Christ also gave them authority to forgive sins, it stands to reason that they have the faculty to hear confessions and forgive sins in the name of Jesus.
timrichardson
The only way to avoid arguing with protestants is stating Matthew 9, 1-8 ( So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”
3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”
4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you, ’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.
8 Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled[a] and glorified God, who had given such power to men. ) .
It says Men in the last verse 8.
capecape
That explanation is super clear, the best I've ever heard. American Catholics you are doing a great job. Appreciation from a Kenyan Catholic 🙏🙏🙏
anthonygwara
I had this big ‘debate’ with a Protestant yesterday. They just point blank wouldn’t accept proof for confession.
When I showed Leviticus they said it was the old covenant so didn’t matter and denied typology mattered.
I used your James 5 verses and he still said it didn’t say that you confess to a Priest.
Their eyes are closed so tight they just refuse to see what you show them…
To the point he started using acts 10:43-44 and other verses saying it’s faith alone and you don’t have to orally confess your sins.
Some times they are so consumed with their own interpretation of scripture they don’t care to listen to the scripture you provide as they deny it says what it says.
irishandscottish
Perfect to watch before Lenten penance service tonight.
lukebrown
Thank you for this teaching makes me to understand the confession ❤
tasiaflynn
I know that Apostle Paul speaks of confessions sins and disagreements to an authority in the church. I believe it is not meant to be for every sin but for problems which impact the integrity of the church.
joshuamartinpryce
Thank you - very clear, and scriptural - so can be used in debates with protestants. Although, in my (long) experience, they will not accept any of it, even with those verses staring them in the face. Strange isn't it? So much for 'Sola Scriptura'.
veredictum
I'm now confused. Please explain 1 Timothy 2:5. Can we not go to the Father direstly to confess through Jesus Christ? Can't he be ther mediator instead of a priest when it comes to confession?
hawk
He said in this video “how can they forgive sins unless somebody confesses their sins. But his example in Matthew 9 didn’t actually involve “confession”. Jesus preemptively forgave the man’s sin (he didn’t even ask for it! What he did was (by faith) come to Jesus to be healed of his paralysis.
I can think of another verse where forgiveness of sins is given without confession.
“Neither do I condemn you; go and from now on sin no more.” -John 8:11
Jfiurr
How to recognize a Protestant response. It’s ALWAYS IN
lisalamb
I wanted to confess, but my parents don't believe you have to confess to the priest, and I am too scared of asking them to bring me to confession since they never did it before as far as I know, what should I do? I cannot drive to church by myself.
PRIGOIANIA
Can you give the scripture reference for Jesus giving authority to forgive sins to men?
davidduran
I'll stand on Hebrews 10,
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
jrainey
I repent committing many mortal sins many times to many.
thebr
Jesus God himself granted power to forgive sin to apostles. But I don't understand when did he gave apostles the power to grant power of forgiveness to other people.
amallukose
Can a Catholic priest hear the confession of a remorseful non-Catholic Christian and absolve him or her of the particular sin?
jonkraft
Anyone here have questions they haven’t yet found answers too?
ColeB-jymh
If a husband confesses adultery to a priest but then denies proof of adultery to his wife and says he already confessed to a priest, is that still a good confession?
