Making a case for confession using Matthew 18:15-18

[murrietahector]

I’d appreciate feedback on a reflection I wrote on Matthew 18:15-18 where I use those four verses to make the case for confession.
goo.gl/mSURP6
Thanks & God bless!

 

[De_Maria]

I’d appreciate feedback on a reflection I wrote on Matthew 18:15-18 where I use those four verses to make the case for confession.
goo.gl/mSURP6
Thanks & God bless!

I read it briefly but consider it unsatisfactory because you make it sound as though Confession to a Priest is unnecessary.

You should add the following Scriptures to your reflection and see where that leads you.

The first confession to a Priest. King David confesses to the Prophet Nathan and receives not only forgiveness but the penance he will pay for his sins.

2 Sam 12

A description of that which occurs in Confession. Heb 13:17; 2 Cor 5:20

The explicit transfer of authority and power to forgive sin or retain it. John 20:23

 

[murrietahector]

Hi De Maria and thanks and God bless you for your feedback!

I was please to hear your feedback precisely because I had my own doubts about the issue you brought up; you helped confirm them! I was trying to stick to those four verses exclusively, and even though I did mention priests, I clearly did not do a good job of articulating the requirement of confessing to a priest.

I will consider the verses you suggested and make some changes. Perhaps you may be able to re-read and follow up with further suggestions.

Thanks and God bless!

 

[De_Maria]

I will consider the verses you suggested and make some changes. Perhaps you may be able to re-read and follow up with further suggestions.

Thanks and God bless!

I’d be happy to help.

PS Why do you limit your justification for confession to those four verses?

The reason I ask is because confession to a priest is a tradition that begins in the Old Testament. So, I don’t get your point in limiting it to 4 verses in the New Testament.

 

[DanielJohn2300]

If the disciple is the priest, then who is “the church” in verse 17? The congregation? I think you have it backwards. The disciple is a congregant and the church is a priest. If I know that my brother has sinned, I do not ask our priest to go to my brother and “tell him his fault” (verse 15); I go to my brother myself and tell him his fault. The priest does not come in until verse 17. That’s when someone with the authority to excommunicate is needed.