ACC ~ Mark 2 v7b

ONLY GOD FORGIVES SIN

IRENAEUS: How can sins be rightly remitted unless the very One against whom one has sinned grants the pardon? [1] AGAINST HERESIES 5.17.1. [2]

[1] 1 Sam 2:25.

[2] AHR 2:370; GMI 45*. The issue is who has the right to forgive sin.

THE IMPLICATION OF HIS ACT OF FORGIVING

NOVATIAN: If Christ forgives sins, Christ must be truly God because no one can forgive sins but God alone. [1] THE TRINITY 13. [2]

[1] Mt 9:2; Mk 2:5; Lk 5:20-21.

[2] Cetedoc 0071, 13.37; FC 67:54*. His act of forgiveness implies that he indeed is God.

THE MINISTRY OF FORGIVENESS

AMBROSE: In their ministry of the forgiveness of sin, pastors do not exercise the right of some independent power. For not in their own name but in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit do they forgive sins. They ask, the Godhead forgives. The service is enabled by humans, but the gift comes from the Power on high. THE HOLY SPIRIT 3.18.137. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0151, 3.18.137.208.44; FC 44:202-03**, cf. NPNF 2 10:154. Ministers of the Eucharist do not of themselves have the autonomous power to forgive.

Mk