"If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." (John 20: 21-23)
You have an interesting take on this passage. I don't see where JESUS says to the Apostles "and all future priests of the Roman Church will also have this power."
Of course not, because then you'd see where you are lacking.
I read this passage and see two possible explanations that I believe are more plausible; one, Jesus was empowering these Apostles with supernatural powers because they would be the catalysts for the initial body of believers;
And Jesus knew that after the 1st century ended no one would need to have their sins forgiven? Confession of sins and absolution by an Apostle were sacraments, but only temporarily?
Well ... of course the believer can (i.e. is not prohibited from ...) ... requesting His forgiveness directly from God ... via prayer ... as Jesus modeled ...Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.I also find it interesting that there is no example of sins being confessed to any priestly figure and/or priestly absolution given in the New Testament scriptures.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Do you really mean to suggest that, having been given this power by Jesus, the Apostles never forgave anyone, that no one ever came to them wracked with guilt?
SD
SD