Introduction
One of the major differences between Roman Catholicism and many Protestant traditions is the practice of confession. In Catholic theology, believers confess their sins to a priest, who then pronounces absolution in Christ’s name. Protestants generally reject this practice, insisting that confession is to be made directly to God through Christ, our one Mediator. The central questions are: Does the Bible instruct us to confess sins to a priest? And can a priest actually forgive sins?
Confession in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the priesthood had a vital role in Israel’s worship. Priests mediated between God and the people by offering sacrifices. Leviticus describes how priests presented offerings for sins (Leviticus 4:20, 26, 31). However, the priest himself could not forgive sins—forgiveness always came from God. David wrote:
“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight” (Psalm 51:4).
Though priests oversaw sacrifices, the Bible makes clear that only God can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25). Thus, the priesthood foreshadowed Christ, the true High Priest who would offer the once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11–12).
Confession in the New Testament
The New Testament shifts the focus to Christ as the sole Mediator:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
Confessing to God
The apostle John writes:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Here, the instruction is to confess to God, not a human priest. Forgiveness comes directly from the Lord, based on the finished work of Christ.
Confessing to One Another
James also instructs:
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16).
This verse speaks of mutual confession among believers for prayer and restoration—not a sacramental act of priestly absolution. The purpose is accountability and encouragement, not priestly mediation.
Did Jesus Give Priests Power to Forgive?
Catholic theology often points to John 20:22–23, where Jesus told His apostles:
“Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
At first glance, this may seem to grant the apostles the authority to forgive sins. However, this passage is best understood in light of the gospel message. The apostles were commissioned to proclaim forgiveness in Christ’s name. When people believed the gospel, the apostles could declare with certainty that their sins were forgiven by God. Conversely, when people rejected the gospel, the apostles could declare that their sins remained. This is not priestly power, but apostolic proclamation of God’s forgiveness through Christ.
Who Forgives Sins?
The Bible is clear:
- Jesus alone has authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:7–10).
- Forgiveness is through Christ’s blood, not through a priest (Ephesians 1:7).
- Believers approach God directly, having access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
Priests, pastors, and fellow Christians can remind us of God’s promises, guide us in repentance, and pray with us. But they cannot forgive sins. Only God does that.
Conclusion
The Bible does not instruct believers to confess sins to a priest for forgiveness. Rather, it teaches confession directly to God and, at times, mutual confession among believers for accountability and prayer. Priests in the Old Testament pointed forward to Christ, the true High Priest who offered the perfect sacrifice. In the New Testament, forgiveness of sins comes only through Christ’s blood, received by faith. Ministers of the gospel can announce God’s forgiveness, but they cannot grant it themselves.
Therefore, the biblical teaching is that only God forgives sins, through Jesus Christ, our one Mediator.