The following scriptures refer to confession and absolution:
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity(1 John 1)
16 Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.
(James 5)
7 Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
(Mark 2; also Matthew 9)
21 He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. 23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.
(John 20)
"21 He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. 23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. (John 20)"
This is one of my burning questions. How are these passages reconciled? My view is that only God can forgive sins, and that the Apostles were granted authority to declare WITH authority what God would do when asked for forgiveness.