As usual, that passage doesn’t mean what popery teaches it means. Rome wastes no opportunity to twist Scripture and undermine the true doctrine of Christ. I find it interesting how wicked men have devised for themselves a monopoly on the salvation business.
If I have time later I will come back and specifically address the passage cited. Until then, any person wanting to understand how to view this biblically can follow the link I posted earlier.
The New Testament teaches that all born again believers are a royal priesthood and it never teaches anything about a class of clergy known as priests. The Bible teaches believers to “...come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Dear people, don’t let the wicked traditions of popery bind your conscience. Don’t fall into the Fowler’s snare! Go boldly to the throne of grace. You don’t need the minions of Rome, all you need is Christ! He is our advocate, sole mediator, and great high priest!
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:”
—1 John 2:1
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
—1 John 1:2
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
—1 Peter 2:9
It means exactly what it says. Why would you not believe Christ’s words.
He ordained the apostles, breathing the Holy Spirit on them and giving them the ability to forgive and withhold forgiveness of sin.
That charism is passed down through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
|
1449 The formula of absolution used in the Latin Church expresses the essential elements of this sacrament: the Father of mercies is the source of all forgiveness. He effects the reconciliation of sinners through the Passover of his Son and the gift of his Spirit, through the prayer and ministry of the Church:
God, the Father of mercies, |