Key Scripture
John 20:23
“Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
Reflection
Jesus speaks these words to His disciples after His resurrection. He’s just breathed on them and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” Then He gives this charge:
“Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
What does this mean?
Let’s break down the major views and what the context shows us.
The Catholic View
The Roman Catholic Church interprets this as Jesus giving the apostles (and their successors, the priests) special authority to forgive sins sacramentally—especially in confession. They see this as the foundation for the priestly power to absolve or withhold forgiveness.
The Biblical View
Most Protestant and Evangelical traditions do not see this as a special priestly power, but rather as:
1. Proclaiming the Gospel:
When believers share the message of Christ, they declare God’s forgiveness to all who repent and believe. If someone receives the gospel, their sins are forgiven. If someone rejects it, their sins remain.
2. Church Discipline:
The church, acting in unity, can affirm or deny forgiveness by examining repentance and faith (see Matthew 18:15-18). This is not personal power, but responsibility to uphold biblical truth.
3. Representing Christ’s Authority:
Jesus gives His followers the privilege and responsibility to represent Him. When we declare forgiveness based on God’s Word, we “agree with heaven”—not create forgiveness ourselves.
The Context
- Jesus has just risen and is commissioning His disciples.
- He gives them the Holy Spirit, enabling them to carry out His mission.
- In the context of John’s gospel, forgiveness is always linked to believing in Christ (John 3:16-18, John 20:31).
What John 20:23 Does NOT Mean
- It does not mean humans have power to forgive sins independently of Christ.
- It does not mean forgiveness is controlled by a select group.
- It does not contradict the truth that only God ultimately forgives sins (Mark 2:7).
Biblical Backing for the Protestant View
1. Only God Can Forgive Sins
Mark 2:5-7
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there… saying… Who can forgive sins but God only?
Psalm 103:2-3
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
2. Forgiveness Is Through Christ Alone
Acts 10:43
To him (Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
3. Believers Proclaim Forgiveness, They Don’t Grant It
Acts 13:38-39
38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
2 Corinthians 5:18 – 20
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
4. Church Affirms Repentance/Unrepentance (Church Discipline)
Matthew 18:15 – 18
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
5. Assurance of Forgiveness to the Repentant
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Summary
- John 20:23 refers to the church’s commission to declare forgiveness to the repentant (based on God’s promise) and warn the unrepentant (based on God’s truth).
- Forgiveness is never “created” by humans—it is affirmed, announced, and applied in the name of Jesus, whose finished work is the only basis for remission.
- The church acts as a messenger and witness, not as the originator or controller of grace.
Application
- Declare forgiveness faithfully: When you share the gospel, you offer God’s forgiveness—not your own.
- Live in the Spirit: Jesus gave this commission to Spirit-filled disciples. Don’t try to represent Christ’s authority apart from His Spirit.
- Seek forgiveness directly from God: He alone is the source; the church, pastors, and believers can affirm what God has already done.
- Practice discernment: If someone rejects Jesus, you can gently warn that their sins remain. If someone repents, you can joyfully assure them of God’s forgiveness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You alone have authority to forgive sins. Help me represent Your truth faithfully, sharing the good news of forgiveness in Your name. Give me wisdom and humility to never claim what belongs only to You. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may point others to You—the true source of grace and mercy.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
