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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"):
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"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
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Does the Catholic church have power to forgive sins? Let's see
what the Scriptures say:
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"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
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According to Scripture, God wants His children to come straight
to Him for forgiveness of sins, not to a church:
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"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
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This verse loudly proclaims that forgiveness of sins comes from
God's throne, not from a church. Still, Catholicism teaches a
contrary doctrine:
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"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
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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:
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"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
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King David went directly to God to ask forgiveness for his
sins:
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"Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive
all my sins." Psalm 25:18
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In Psalm 51, David asks God for forgiveness again:
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"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
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King Solomon was also aware that he and all the children of
Israel could go straight to God to receive forgiveness for their
sins:
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"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
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God tells people to come to Him for forgiveness:
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"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
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God never requires anyone to go through a church to receive
forgiveness for their sins.
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"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
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Why then would the Catholic church insist that forgiveness of
sins is only available through her? The following Catechism quote
provides the answer:
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" 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
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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?
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"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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