Hi Robert,
In your question lies a GREAT part of the answer. *
** 1John.1 Verses 8 to 10:*** "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
** 1John.5 Verses 16 to 17**"If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal.
There is sin which is mortal; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, **but there is sin which is not mortal. **
** John.20 Verses 20 to 23**]" When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.** Jesus said to them **again, “Peace be with you. **As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” **And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Robert, in asking the question we are questioning God’s own Wisdom. That’s not always a bad thing, as our Loving God wants us to understand His Will in order to Obey it.
So here’s another Question: Did GOD Have too forgive sins in this manner?** NO! So why did He?**
VERY FEW things commanded by Jesus were new or Unique to the history of the Hebrew nation Looking at the OT book of
Numbers.15:1.28 “And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD for the person who commits an error, when he sins unwittingly, to make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven.” Paul confirms this **Heb.5: 1 **“For every high priest chosen from among men is and appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins”
So through out history priest have had an active roll in the fogiveness of sins. I’m sure
Robert you are aware that it is God, not the priest who actually forgives the sins and in the New Covenent [Jn. 20:19-23] God has empowered His Priest to determine who should or should not be forgiven. God abides the decission of the Priest, who is charged to determine SINCERE repentence and “firm purpose of admendment” [strong desire NOT to sin again.] Further the priest is trianed to give REAL guidence on how to avoid sin in the furture, AND is SWORN to a VOW [a personal Ceovenant with God] UNDER NO CONDITIONS CAN HE REVEAL ANYTHING TOLD TO HIM IN THE CONFESSIONAL!
It was [IS] intended by God to “be difficult” precisely in order to discourage us from sinning more often. Or at least to give us pause about sining again.
ROBERT ONLY IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES CAN ONE HAVE KNOWN FORGIVENESS OF SINS. NOT A GUESS, OR SIMPLY A HOPE; BUT FACTUALLY KNOWING. All good things come at a price, and the asking price for this GRACE is minute in comparison to the Godly reward.
Ask for God’s help and you’ll get it my friend. WELCOME HOME!
The only thing I would add is sin wounds our relationship with our Lord and His Church.Sin weakens us and causes our souls to become weak and sick.Mortal sin can kill us(soul).This is why This Sacrament of Reconcilliation(Confession)is listed in the CCC under the Sacrament of Healing.It heals our infirmities(wounds)caused by sin,whether venial or worse,Mortal.Reconciliation is a wonderful gift given by our Lord to His church.May our Lord be with you,Rocky.
So that means I make sure I don’t do them!