Lesson 3598

 (Lesson 3598)(11-09-21) John 20:23

    “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

    Today’s quote is the basis for the belief, in Catholicism et al, that a Catholic Priest can remit sin. That is a totally unfounded contention. Jesus was speaking directly, and explicitly, to His apostles and gave, only them, that exclusive power.

    God alone has the power to forgive sin. First the sinner must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all those who will believe in Him. Then, and ONLY then, his/her sins can be remitted by simply asking God to forgive those sins through the power in the Holy name of Jesus Christ.

    Can a child of God pray for the sins of others? Absolutely! Could those prayers sometimes be answered? Absolutely! However, the one who prayed, and the one prayed for, must BOTH be believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16 in part)~