Why do priests alone have the power to forgive sin?

[pilgrim83]

A Protestant refers to John 20:23 and says that, since the word “apostle” is not used, but disciple, Christ was speaking generally to all his disciples when he spoke about forgiving sins. So every disciple can say that one’s sins are not forgiven if one doesn’t receive Christ as Lord and Savior. What is the proof that Christ really invested the apostles, and so all priests, with the power to forgive sins?

 

[Devon_Caffran]

These links should be helpful for understanding and explaining Confession. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.
Recommended Reading:

• [Confession (http://www.catholic.com/library/Confession.asp)** by the Early Church Fathers**
• [Forgiveness of Sins (http://www.catholic.com/library/Forgiveness_of_Sins.asp)
• [The Fathers Know Best: Confessing to a Priest (http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1991/9101frs.asp)
• [A Confession to Make (http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2006/0609btb.asp)** by Tim Staples**
• [God Is too Hot to Handle (http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0005fea4.asp): Protestant Misconceptions about Confession by Jason Shanks
• • Is Confession not necessary?*