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No, the priest is an "alter Christus", "another Christ". When a man is ordained as a priest, he becomes more than the representative of Christ, Our Blessed Lord actually works through him. When the priest is consecrated the elements at Mass, he does not say, "this is Your Body", he says, "This is MY Body". He is speaking AS CHRIST. Similarly, during confession, he speaks as Christ, and says, "I forgive you your sins." We have Our Blessed Lord's guarantee that when the priest pronounces forgiveness, God is forgiving you.

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What is the purpose of Aboriginal reconciliation?

Reconciliation is very important because through the sacrament of reconciliation you are sure that your sins are forgiven. Unlike Christians who pray silently and are not sure if their sins are forgiven, we can be sure. We confess with the priest and say our penance; we know that if we die at that moment we would go to heaven and have no sins in our souls. There are two types of sins mortal and venial; someone who dies with a mortal sin in their soul has little chance of making heaven.


What is used in the sacrament of reconciliation?

When you confess your sins to a priest, all of your sins are forgiven and you basically start of with a clean slate. It is the stepping stone needed for all other Sacraments other than Baptism.


What does the priest give after confession?

After you confession your sins, the priest asks you to make a good act of contrition. This is extremely important as without real contrition AND a firm purpose of amendment your sins are NOT forgiven even when he gives you absolution. He then gives you a penance to perform and then he absolves your sins and dismisses you.


How is reading the Bible going to help your lives?

well the Bible is about God and how he sent his only son Jesus on the cross for out sins, and the Bible says if u believe that and pray everyday for your enemies, for parents, your needs, and homless people, and pray for your sins to be forgiven, then he will forgive your sins for that is what Jesus did for us.


Is it a must for a Christian to admit their sins to the priest to repent?

for anyone catholic, yes it is. It's actually one of the sacraments in the Catholic faith. For anyone who isn't either Catholic or a member of some Orthodox church, it isn't. Most protestant beliefs feel that when you pray to God for forgiveness, your sins are forgiven. It depends of what church you're a member of.


Why must you confess your sins by mouth?

Roman Catholic answerThe priest is sitting in for God. God has provided you a priest so that he may hear your confession, and judge you. Then the priest imparts God's absolution to you. He must actually hear, in person, your sins in order to forgive them. If you do not articulate all of your sins, then none of them are forgiven and you have committed the sin of sacrilege on top of it!


If you never confessed your sins will god ever forgive you?

No. You must repent and ask for forgiveness to ever be forgiven. But one of the best parts is..... ITS THAT SIMPLE!!!! :) God LOVES you with all His heart and wants to forgive you. He wants to know who you are and what you need. Pray to Him and ask Him to wash your sins away and you are forgiven :)


Why do Catholics have to confess their sins to a priest?

Catholics must confess their sins to a priest as this is the only normal way in which Our Blessed Savior left for people to have their sins forgiven. Less serious sins (venial sins) may be forgiven with a good Act of Contrition and Holy Communion. Serious sins (mortal sins) may only be forgiven at Confession. Besides the Church requires that all adult Catholics must go to confession at least once a year, even if they have not committed any mortal sins. Any good Catholic who is sincerely trying to fall Christ and become perfect (Matthew 5:48) should be going to regular confession, weekly or at the least, every other week.


What are the four steps to Catholic confession?

The first step is contrition, that is saying sorry to the people you have sinned to and getting their apology...Feel sorry for your sins too... this has cleansed you 50 % The second step is self examination. Recall all the sins you have commited. The third step is to confess it in the confessional box. The last step is penance.......to say the penance which you have been told by the priest. This has cleansed your soul 100 % God Bless!!!!


Are all of your sins forgiven even if you don't confess them?

Roman Catholic AnswerNo, not normally. If you are referring to a good confession in which you, perhaps, honestly forgot a sin, then, yes, in that instance, the sin would be forgiven IF you mention it during your next confession, and tell the priest that you honestly forgot it last time. But if you are asking if your sins are forgiven if you just neglect to go to confession and tell all of them, then no. Jesus set up confession as the normal way of having your sins forgiven, and you must abide by that.


What sins can be forgiven in several ways?

All sins can be forgiven in may ways because God can do all things


How to go to confession in the Catholic Church?

To go to confession in the Catholic Church, you should first examine your conscience to reflect on your sins. Then, find a priest and go to the confessional or reconciliation room. Begin by making the sign of the cross and saying, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." Confess your sins honestly and sincerely, and listen to the priest's advice and penance. Finally, say an Act of Contrition to express your sorrow for your sins. The priest will then give you absolution, and you will be forgiven.