Originally posted by quizzler
I guess really confession really is not a big thing to me. I think of more accountability is important. I confess my sins to God and i am sure you do too. You just also go to a priest as well. But where is confession taught in the Bible?
Hi quizzler,
I just thought I'd share a bit about what I know. I mentioned earlier the basis for apostolic succession, this is important. If you missed it, I'll repost what I shared before:
Christ came to build the Church. How did he do this? He appointed apostolic offices, and filled them with 12 men (at first). He then commanded them to go out and appoint bishops as the overseers of Churches and ordained those new leaders with the "laying on of hands" (1 Tim 4:14). Then, those appointed bishops were commanded to go and ordain other bishops in exacly the way they themselves were appointed by the first apostles (Titus 1:4-5; 2 Tim 2:2). So you have a continuation of the Church that never ends. This body of leaders was one united group of bishops, elders, etc., and they formed the leadership authority of the Church.
Now, these leadership positions are actual "offices" that men can aspire to and must be approved (KJV - 1 Tim 3:1; 1 Tim 3:13; Romans 12:4; Rom 11:13). Furthermore, the offices continue (as do all offices held by men). (Even the apostolic office held by Judas was replaced with a new apostle by succession -- Acts 1:15-20). Thus, we clearly see that Jesus appointed offices of men that were in turn to appoint other men who were in turn to appoint other men, and so on and so on. And, all of these overseers were ordained of God by command of Christ -- therefore, these offices have authority from God. This is the Church's very structure and leadership. Paul envisioned that this Church was to continue carrying on world without end (Eph 3:21).
The fact is Christ was given all authority (Matt 28:18) and the 12 is were given authority by Christ. Here's what scripture says about forgiving sins:
But that you may know that the Son of Man has
authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." (Luke 5:24, cf. Matt 9:6)
And I'm willing to bet that he gave the same authority to the disciples to overcome the enemy (Luke 10:19). I could be wrong but it's implied there.
This is really important because Christ commands his
apostles to do the same:
And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone,
forgive him, that your father in heaven may also forgive you your espasses.<SUP> </SUP>But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26, cf. Matt 6:14-15)
And the
office of apostles according to what I shared earlier is succeeded through apostolic succession. Keep in mind Jesus was talking to apostles, not mere laymen. Thus it seems this ministry was for those in that particular office.
I think it's clear that anyone who fills that particular ministry is called to follow the same commands of Jesus, like forgiving sins, since those who fill the apostles shoes are building up the body of Christ (Eph 4:10). And by a priest declaring forgiveness, I'm willing to bet he's obeying St. Peter's command:
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. (1 Pet 4:11)
Also, remember when Paul was persecuting the Christians? Jesus says to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute
me?" Apparently Jesus was heavily implying that the church is literally the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27). So the way I see it, Jesus is forgiving sins, using priests. So they're instruments used by God, much like how other parts of the body of Christ is used to build up the rest of the body (1 Cor 12:12-28, Eph 4:11-13)
God bless!
-Jason