Catholics have confession, what do Protestants have if they sin?

[1beleevr]

Carlan’s point is valid: Why would Christ have said this:
"22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”"If the apostles and their successors were not supposed to forgive sins (through confession)?

Okay, just for a moment, I want to be that fly in the ointment; the thorn in the catholic’s side! What if I said,“Maybe Jesus meant, sins you forgive others towards you.” Or, if you do not forgive, then you bear the burden of unforgiveness; just a thought!I mean, aren’t most of the differences between Christians, a matter of interpretation? And I believe that the thing that most trips up Christians is religion

 

[1beleevr]

What about protestants that are hateful towards the Church though… The real Baptist preacher types… do they just a pass b/c of invincible ignorance? Here we are with all these obligations, striving for holiness which is required to see the Lord, and they walk around hateful towards us causing more division and keeping others from the True Church and it’s all good b/c they didn’t know any better…?!!

Probably a lot like those catholics who are hateful and demeaning towards non-catholics! I had a catholic friend and co-worker literally screaming at me, dropping F-bombs on me because I said i would call the pope “Sir”, instead of holy father; if I ever met him!

 

[The_Sentry]

This may be a simple question but it’s puzzled me recently.

If I was to commit a serious sin, I can go to confession to seek, and receive, forgiveness. But what do Protestants do in such an occasion, if anything at all? How can they be assured of God’s forgiveness for their sins?

Note - I’m not specifically looking for answers from Protestants themselves, but that would be interesting.

We got nothin’

 

[Stepson]

We got nothin’

You got something from the Lutherans.

 

[Nicea325]

Originally Posted by PaulinVA
Carlan’s point is valid: Why would Christ have said this:
"22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”"If the apostles and their successors were not supposed to forgive sins (through confession)?

Okay, just for a moment, I want to be that fly in the ointment; the thorn in the catholic’s side! What if I said,“Maybe Jesus meant, sins you forgive others towards you.” Or, if you do not forgive, then you bear the burden of unforgiveness; just a thought!I mean, aren’t most of the differences between Christians, a matter of interpretation? And I believe that the thing that most trips up Christians is religion

But look at what Jesus breathed on them: The Holy Spirit…third person of the Blessed Trinity. Where else does God breath into man? Adam. Pretty clear God can give whatever He chooses to whom He pleases,whether humanity excepts it or not.

 

[Nicea325]

I still haven’t found a verse in the Bible that exhorts us to visit a mortal man to be forgiven of our sins. Is it far-fetched to correlate John 20:21-23 with the Lord’s prayer? You know, forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us?(or, trespass?)

And I have still not found a single verse in the Bible that clearly states any mere mortal can found his or her own church based on private interpretation of scripture?

Oh I see,but God chose 12 mortal men to follow Him and teach others? God left mortal men to run and operate His Church here on earth? Your argument is self-refuting.

You sure? This power was understood as coming from God: “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). Indeed, confirms Paul, “So we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20).

In the New Testament, the forgiveness of sins is tied to the sacrament of the anointing of the sick (James 5:13–15).

“Confess your sins in church, and do not go up to your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life. . . . On the Lord’s Day gather together, break bread, and give thanks, after confessing your transgressions so that your sacrifice may be pure” (Didache 4:14, 14:1 [A.D. 70]).

The earliest Christian writings, such as the first-century Didache, are indefinite on the procedure for confession to be used in the forgiveness of sins, but a verbal confession is listed as part of the Church’s requirement by the time of Irenaeus (A.D. 180). He wrote that the disciples of the Gnostic heretic Marcus “have deluded many women. . . . Their consciences have been branded as with a hot iron. Some of these women make a public confession, but others are ashamed to do this, and in silence, as if withdrawing themselves from the hope of the life of God, they either apostatize entirely or hesitate between the two courses” (Against Heresies 1:22).

So the issue is not whether we should or should not confess our sins. Rather, the real issue is, How does God say that our sins are forgiven or retained?"

 

[1beleevr]

And I have still not found a single verse in the Bible that clearly states any mere mortal can found his or her own church based on private interpretation of scripture?

Oh I see,but God chose 12 mortal men to follow Him and teach others? God left mortal men to run and operate His Church here on earth? Your argument is self-refuting.

You sure? This power was understood as coming from God: “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). Indeed, confirms Paul, “So we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20).

In the New Testament, the forgiveness of sins is tied to the sacrament of the anointing of the sick (James 5:13–15).

“Confess your sins in church, and do not go up to your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life. . . . On the Lord’s Day gather together, break bread, and give thanks, after confessing your transgressions so that your sacrifice may be pure” (Didache 4:14, 14:1 [A.D. 70]).

The earliest Christian writings, such as the first-century Didache, are indefinite on the procedure for confession to be used in the forgiveness of sins, but a verbal confession is listed as part of the Church’s requirement by the time of Irenaeus (A.D. 180). He wrote that the disciples of the Gnostic heretic Marcus “have deluded many women. . . . Their consciences have been branded as with a hot iron. Some of these women make a public confession, but others are ashamed to do this, and in silence, as if withdrawing themselves from the hope of the life of God, they either apostatize entirely or hesitate between the two courses” (Against Heresies 1:22).

So the issue is not whether we should or should not confess our sins. Rather, the real issue is, How does God say that our sins are forgiven or retained?"

You are right, 12 were chosen and many more have followed! The only thing we have to believe(or not) is whether those “mortal men” of today, your priests, have the blessings of God!Has the passdown been pristine? Why does John say," For if we confess our sins unto Him, He is faithful to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all righteousness? There is no clear indication that a “mortal man” need be present; as we have a mediator, by the name of Jesus! James urges US to confess our sins one to another, which I have done on many different occasions! It is very cleansing; almost as cleansing as forgiving someone who sins against you! In conclusion, i find your argument to be vague and redundant!

 

[1beleevr]

We got nothin’

I don’t believe this is entirely true! If you say(just because you aren’t catholic) that you got nothing, then you are mocking God, saying in essence that you cannot go to Him with a repentant heart, steeped in humility, and ask for forgiveness! Not all non-catholics believe that once saved always saved means that you can sin relentlessly and say, “It’s okay, I’m covered by the blood!” As I have grown closer to Christ, I am more quickly convicted when I do sin, or even think about sinning! So, the catholics have not cornered the market on confession, based on their interpretation of scripture.But, I know many catholics, who say they are obligated and compelled to attend confession; sort of like they have a checklist of things to do weekly!

 

[1beleevr]

And I have still not found a single verse in the Bible that clearly states any mere mortal can found his or her own church based on private interpretation of scripture?

Oh I see,but God chose 12 mortal men to follow Him and teach others? God left mortal men to run and operate His Church here on earth? Your argument is self-refuting.

You sure? This power was understood as coming from God: “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). Indeed, confirms Paul, “So we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20).

In the New Testament, the forgiveness of sins is tied to the sacrament of the anointing of the sick (James 5:13–15).

“Confess your sins in church, and do not go up to your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life. . . . On the Lord’s Day gather together, break bread, and give thanks, after confessing your transgressions so that your sacrifice may be pure” (Didache 4:14, 14:1 [A.D. 70]).

The earliest Christian writings, such as the first-century Didache, are indefinite on the procedure for confession to be used in the forgiveness of sins, but a verbal confession is listed as part of the Church’s requirement by the time of Irenaeus (A.D. 180). He wrote that the disciples of the Gnostic heretic Marcus “have deluded many women. . . . Their consciences have been branded as with a hot iron. Some of these women make a public confession, but others are ashamed to do this, and in silence, as if withdrawing themselves from the hope of the life of God, they either apostatize entirely or hesitate between the two courses” (Against Heresies 1:22).

So the issue is not whether we should or should not confess our sins. Rather, the real issue is, How does God say that our sins are forgiven or retained?"

I’m quite sure you’re right about the mortal men starting their own churches, but I know that ALL believers in Christ are part of HIS Church. He is OUR Bridegroom and WE the Bride of Christ, waiting for Him to sweep us off our feet and into His kingdom! I get really bored with people arguing which religion is the best, or the right one, sheeeesh!

 

[Hiskid1973]

once saved always saved means that you can sin relentlessly and say, “It’s okay, I’m covered by the blood!”

I’ve been walking with Christ for almost 40 years and I never met any “christian” that believed that…As christian I mean someone who experienced a rebirth ie. born anew/conversion experience compared to a christian in name only…I had a powerful conversion experience that radically transformed my life in Aug of 73…I understood the power of forgiveness and
and getting into the scriptures right away really had me understand it…

 

[1beleevr]

I’ve been walking with Christ for almost 40 years and I never met any “christian” that believed that…As christian I mean someone who experienced a rebirth ie. born anew/conversion experience compared to a christian in name only…I had a powerful conversion experience that radically transformed my life in Aug of 73…I understood the power of forgiveness and
and getting into the scriptures right away really had me understand it…

I just celebrated 44 years as a member of Christ’s Church, having given my life to Him as a teenager. I have had too many prodigal moments, but today, I really understand grace so much more than I ever have! It doesn’t mean that I believe that my salvation gives me a license to sin! Rather it reminds me that God in His infinite mercy offers forgiveness and grace, no questions asked! On another thread, some time ago, a catholic poster intimated that all non-catholics believed in “once saved, always saved”, and that we believed that we could sin at will, because we were saved! Being born again truly is an experience that is difficult to put into words!

 

[Carlan]

Okay, just for a moment, I want to be that fly in the ointment; the thorn in the catholic’s side! What if I said,“Maybe Jesus meant, sins you forgive others towards you.” Or, if you do not forgive, then you bear the burden of unforgiveness; just a thought*!I mean, aren’t most of the differences between Christians, a matter of interpretation? And I believe that the thing that most trips up Christians is religion:*)

Hmm, yes often,That is why the Catholic Church has the authority of the Magisterium( The teaching authority of the Church) Made up of the Vicar of Christ, the Pope, Bishops and Priests.The Church is Apostolic.The Revelation of Christ has been handed down to us through the ages by the Apostles and their successors.:thumbsupeace, Carlan

 

[Hiskid1973]

I just celebrated 44 years as a member of Christ’s Church, having given my life to Him as a teenager. I have had too many prodigal moments, but today, I really understand grace so much more than I ever have! It doesn’t mean that I believe that my salvation gives me a license to sin! Rather it reminds me that God in His infinite mercy offers forgiveness and grace, no questions asked! On another thread, some time ago, a catholic poster intimated that all non-catholics believed in “once saved, always saved”, and that we believed that we could sin at will, because we were saved! Being born again truly is an experience that is difficult to put into words!

Cool…God bless…I trust God to complete the work He started in me…

 

[1beleevr]

Cool…God bless…I trust God to complete the work He started in me…

As do I; and I know that He is faithful to complete said work! Philippians 1:6 God bless you, my brother in Christ Jesus!

 

[Califman831]

If you are protestant you stand in sin against Christ and his church, unless of course you are ignorant that the Catholic church is his one and only church. May God rebuke them.

 

[1beleevr]

If you are protestant you stand in sin against Christ and his church, unless of course you are ignorant that the Catholic church is his one and only church. May God rebuke them.

Matthew 7:1-5. And if you are catholic, you stand in judgement of all those who are not! And you mock and blaspheme the true Holy Father by attaching that name to a mere mortal man!

 

[The_Sentry]

You got something from the Lutherans.

One of my best friends is an LCMS pastor who loves to tell me that “All heresies come from England.” I’m almost convinced. Whatever we get from you guys is apparently better than the stuff that we come up with on our own!

I don’t believe this is entirely true! If you say(just because you aren’t catholic) that you got nothing, then you are mocking God, saying in essence that you cannot go to Him with a repentant heart, steeped in humility, and ask for forgiveness! Not all non-catholics believe that once saved always saved means that you can sin relentlessly and say, “It’s okay, I’m covered by the blood!” As I have grown closer to Christ, I am more quickly convicted when I do sin, or even think about sinning! So, the catholics have not cornered the market on confession, based on their interpretation of scripture.But, I know many catholics, who say they are obligated and compelled to attend confession; sort of like they have a checklist of things to do weekly!

I surely didn’t mean to mock! It was tongue-in-cheek. For a Catholic, we troublemaking Anglicans “got nothing” by definition. Or if we do have something, it’s in spite of ourselves haha. You made good points here, though!

 

[onenow1]

I still haven’t found a verse in the Bible that exhorts us to visit a mortal man to be forgiven of our sins. Is it far-fetched to correlate John 20:21-23 with the Lord’s prayer? You know, forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us?(or, trespass?)

Hi, believer, this may help you belive God gives power to men, and the reason He instituted His Church.

In Mark 2:1–12 we find in the story the story of the healing of the paralytic. When Jesus saw the paralytic, he said to him, “Your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). The scribes gave the same objection that you raised—that is, that only God can forgive sins. They asked, “Who can forgive sins except God alone?” And they were right. But notice how Jesus changes this later in the story. He performs the miracle of healing precisely to show that “the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10). So what was once only in heaven is now on earth because Jesus has the authority to forgive as man. From: catholic.com

God Bless
onenow1

 

[Nicea325]

I’m quite sure you’re right about the mortal men starting their own churches, but I know that ALL believers in Christ are part of HIS Church. He is OUR Bridegroom and WE the Bride of Christ, waiting for Him to sweep us off our feet and into His kingdom! I get really bored with people arguing which religion is the best, or the right one, sheeeesh!

All believers are part of His church,yet at the same ALL divided into many denominations,non-denominations,sects,factions,etc? No offense,but where is that taught by Jesus and the 12 Apostles? Divided and yet still part of Jesus Church?

I am not arguing which religion is the best;moreover, it is not about who is right or wrong,but about Truth because that is what Jesus who is God taught…the Truth.

 

[Nicea325]

You are right, 12 were chosen and many more have followed! The only thing we have to believe(or not) is whether those “mortal men” of today, your priests, have the blessings of God!Has the passdown been pristine? Why does John say," For if we confess our sins unto Him, He is faithful to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all righteousness? There is no clear indication that a “mortal man” need be present; as we have a mediator, by the name of Jesus! James urges US to confess our sins one to another, which I have done on many different occasions! It is very cleansing; almost as cleansing as forgiving someone who sins against you! In conclusion, i find your argument to be vague and redundant!

And why do you exclude priests as possibly not being blessed? What certitude do you have your pastor is blessed and others not? Where were the Apostles other than John during Jesus trial,Passion and crucifixion? I guess they were not blessed? Shoot! Even one denied hin,not once,but three times.

," For if we confess our sins unto Him, He is faithful to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all righteousness? There is no clear indication that a “mortal man” need be present;

And there is no indication that one ONLY goes straight to God. Okay…and there is not certitude God has forgiven one either in that verse. Where does it state without a doubt you are forgiven? What confirmation do you have of being forgiven?

And you really need to remove yourself with the whole mortal man business,because God founded a church full mortal sinners.