"Why Do You Confess Your Sins To A Priest?"

Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?
Protestants and Evangelical Christians say that the only thing necessary for salvation is faith alone. Some go so far as to say that a single act of repentance will forgive all your sins past, present, and future.
Still, others would say one need only to go to God to have your sins forgiven, and that men can not forgive sins.
If all this is true then confessing one's sins to a priest is an unnecessary and futile act.

[@orangemanbad]

Personal perspective: I was raised a Protestant in a similar Jehovah’s Witness style faith. I found confession truly bizarre and puzzling (among other aspects of Catholicism). I awoke one Saturday about 2 years ago and out of the clear blue I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to attend Catholic mass. If you knew me in person you’d realize how strange this is as I had true hatred toward Catholicism. I thought the church truly evil. That same day I went to mass it was announced that a new RCIA group would begin tomorrow. And I went. Long story short I converted. And when I went to my first confession, I broke down into absolute tears. Not because I was speaking my sins, but because I actually felt the presence of the Lord.

[@johnyang1420]

Welcome home! Smart!

[@nardforu131]

You were a Jehovah Witness?

[@StAlphonsusHasAPosse]

I was a convert, too. I was terrified of my first confession, but afterward I cried from the feelings of forgiveness and lightness. Many converts are emotional afterward. So happy to be Catholic! So happy you are, too. God bless you

[@orangemanbad]

@@nardforu131 no. I was raised in a similar tradition that taught Jesus was not god but rather a prophet.

[@JJGosselin1952]

Amen!! And welcome home! It's going to be a bumpy ride but the Barque of Peter has been through countless storms and rough waters over the centuries. Stay strong in the Faith and eyes focused on Jesus and pay no mind to the doctrinal fad of the day. God bless you.

[@NathanMiller-p3o]

I am so blessed to be Catholic and I practice the sacrament very frequently it is such a blessing and grace and freeing to have a good confession

[@genesisrail]

Because Christ gave His apostles the authority to forgive sins!

[@johnyang1420]

Amen

[@ImTiredOfThisChurch]

Louder please

[@sunnyjohnson992]

The New Catholic Encyclopedia admits: “There is no scriptural evidence that the Apostles, other than St. Paul, exercised the power of forgiving sins.”

[@michaelblair5566]

Every priest of the Catholic Church was ordained by a Bishop, who himself was ordained by a Bishop, all the way back to the Apostles. Who were ordained by Christ.

[@RickW-HGWT]

For me confession and adoration are the best ways to start my week.

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

I love that your video intros are like an epic film. It sorta brings authentic quality and at the same time makes me laugh. In the Old Testament, 2 Samuel 12 Nathan forgives David's sin and it is described exactly like a Catholic confessional. It stuck out to me because Protestants ALWAYS say men can't forgive sins. They obviously didn't read this chapter in the bible or are simply ignoring it.

[@lulabella9249]

Stay Catholic no matter what❤

[@Sniper_Cat_71]

I began regular confession about 3 years ago as I started to have a profound conversion, even though when I was born I was baptized Catholic, but my family when I was growing up didn't practice. Anyway, sometime last year I was in confession for 1st Saturday devotion. I got to the end of my confession and the priest asked if I had anything else to add, from seemingly nowhere, I said, "yes, I wish to thank God for giving us the sacrament of confession!" I could almost hear him smile, and he said "amen, it is a great gift". Also a good confession has more power than an exorcism. That is immense. Praise God forever and ever.

[@Dean-qt3rp]

It is very difficult to confess sins to a preist. Most sins are humiliating to reveal, sins through your own weakness you may repeat and must confess again. It requires great humility to swallow your pride to confess. Our Lord Jesus knew it would be difficult to have to confess.

[@jebbthetrainkid1281]

Yes I'm sure. Now that a Preist has Forgiven you, you can Sin for another Week. Then Repeat the Process.

[@Catholicity-uw2yb]

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS: “A penitent’s sins are forgiven, not when the priest says the sacramental words of absolution over him or her, nor when the penitent completes the assigned penance, but the instant the penitent is truly sorry for his or her sins.”

[@JohnGalt99999]

For what my opinion is worth: Your videos are excellent. I have studied the concept of mortal sin for years. This is one of the best and most comprehensive explanations I have come across. Your explanation displays both the importance and balance of mercy and justice. Thank you for your efforts.

[@TraditionalCrusader]

It is very frustrating being a former Protestant and trying to get current Protestants back into the church. It’s like they have a defense mechanism of accusations against the church to keep them from rejoining the church.

[@imisschristendom5293]

I realized that the whole point to Protestantism is its not Catholic. Almost like the moto is anything but Catholic

[@edukaeshn]

The problem is pride.

[@coachp12b]

@@imisschristendom5293it’s like being separated at birth from your mother and being raised by a different mother and then meeting your real mom and not being able to deal with it

[@john_from_eastcoast.]

To answer the question of the video.... because it's in the Bible and Jesus instructed it! Simple! John 20:22,23, James 5:15,16. Confessing sins to a priest keeps you humble! Which many Protestants lack!

[@St_AngusYoung]

Unfortunately, lack of humility is not exclusive to prottys. There are many Catholics out there who could do with a dose of humility as well. You can see it all through KZbin comment sections.

[@nicolemarie4216]

@@St_AngusYoungyes thank you. I’m amazed at the arrogance of many of the comments.

[@john_from_eastcoast.]

​@@St_AngusYoungYes true! Many Catholics don't feel the need to go to confession. Their pride gets in the way. "I'm okay, and everyone is okay, I don't need confession!" And they receive communion.

[@athanasiusofalexandria4304]

Interesting perspective. My father who is a Devout Calvinist interprets the “water” in John Chapter 3 as baptism. Thanks for the shout out again ! “Do not the dogs eat the scraps?”

[@Publius-24]

Acts 19:13-16 Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” When the seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, tried to do this, the evil spirit said to them in reply, “Jesus I recognize, Paul I know, but who are you?” The person with the evil spirit then sprang at them and subdued them all. He so overpowered them that they fled naked and wounded from that house.

[@BasiliscBaz]

Yes, thats What happend people who tried exorcise demons whitout Authority of Jesus

[@michaelblair5566]

I go to confession at least twice a year: During Lent, and in October. October because that's when I resumed attending Mass in 2018.

[@barbierebel6473]

I am Catholic and I dread going to confession. I don’t know this person and yet I’m required to unload my pain to him. I have anxiety just thinking about it. I wish that during mass that our sins could be absolved in a group. I want to be forgiven by our lord but it’s just terrible for many of us. Which is why most Catholics don’t go.

[@carissstewart3211]

This takes humility. Remember though, you are not unloading your pain to a complete stranger. You are unloading your pain to Christ. The priest is merely acting In Persona Christi. You will confess your sins to Christ at some time or another, either in the confessional or at your personal judgement after death. The confessional, however, is the Tribunal of Mercy. The other is the Tribunal of Justice. If you are too ashamed, it is possible to go to confession anonymously. That's why traditionally, the priest and the penitent are separated by a curtain or a screen. Speak in a low-voice or a whisper, and it will be more difficult for the priest to identify your voice. Traditionally, one would start out by stating one's state in life (whether one is single, married, priest) and then how long it has been since your last confession. Obviously, that means he wouldn't know right off the bat who you are. Given recent attempts to legally require priests to break the seal of confession, a return to the old ways would protect the priest. And, one more thing, it is highly unlikely that you have anything to say which he hasn't heard already. I can't imagine being a priest and knowing the brokenness of the parish. It must be very humbling for him.

[@SonicSnakeRecords]

That is only your perception, perspective of things. I don't see it as all as you do, like not even close. Strange.

[@imisschristendom5293]

This is why the traditional method of confession is best. Where there is a barier between you and the priest. At my sspx chapel it is actually 2 different rooms and the obscure of the window makes it so you can not see easch other, and your to speak softly, so there is no recignition of the voice, as well as those outside cant hear. It is completely anonymous.

[@SonicSnakeRecords]

@@imisschristendom5293 As Pope Benedict said, the SSPX has "no canonical status," "no legitimate ministry," is "invited to rediscover the path to full communion," has no faculties from any bishop, is not part of the divinely ordained hierarchical structure of the Church and all its priests are suspended a divinis.

[@SonicSnakeRecords]

@@johnskuse441 Piece of paper? No. You do an examination of conscience.

[@Myguyver]

Good explanation

[@paulhudson4254]

Protestants commenting on what they know nothing about! Catholic and Orthodox don’t confess to the Priest. He acts as your witness that confession did occur and someday he will be called on to support you! Please Protestants read your Bible before attack mode! Jesus gave the authority! ✝️

[@omen4186]

Hi, new follower of your channel here. Could you talk about how the trad Catholics are suffering from pornography addictions?

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

Most of society is suffering from pornography addiction because pornography is so rampant and available.

[@TraditionalCrusader]

Even people recovering from that addiction can relapse simply by thinking a lustful thought.

[@frekigeri4317]

You think trad Catholics suffer from pornography more than other Catholics, sure dude

[@BasiliscBaz]

We confess to God and priest is witness, sucsesors of apostoles, who was given Authority

[@wishihadavette2392]

Simple

[@southernlady1109]

Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). He gave His authority & power to His apostles & their direct successors, Catholic Priests. 2 Corinthians 5:18 But all is of God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 5:19 For certainly God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not charging them with their sins. And he has placed in us the Word of reconciliation. 5:20 Therefore, we (Priests) are ambassadors for Christ, so that God is exhorting through us. We beseech you for Christ: be reconciled to God. John 20:21 Therefore, he said to them again: “Peace to you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them. And he said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit. 20:23 Those whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them, and those whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” Matthew 18:17 And if he will not listen to them, tell the Church. But if he will not listen to the Church, let him be to you like the pagan and the tax collector. 18:18 Amen I say to you, whatever you will have bound on earth, shall be bound also in heaven, and whatever you will have released on earth, shall be released also in heaven. Matthew 16:18 And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. 16:19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound, even in heaven. And whatever you shall release on earth shall be released, even in heaven.”

[@kimberlywilliams7578]

1 Jn 1:16 "He shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death..." Fr. Haydock's commentary states that these types of sins are not venial v mortal. Restored life is not needed for sins which are venial, so it doesn't follow. Not sure what to make of this scripture, except that I agree with his point. This passage is often used, but I'd like to see another, more supportive one for venial v mortal sins

[@CrusaderTube]

W

[@FamilieNetra]

I have a question. Since there’s no proper Catholic Church in Cambodia or my country, where can I go for confession and baptism ?

[@justthink8952]

Catholic Church teaches that in case of emergency, that is, a person is in great danger of death, then anyone, including an atheist can baptise that person in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit. Baptism is to be done with flowing water. Pouring or sprinkling or immersion in water is permissible.

[@SonicSnakeRecords]

Find a Catholic Church in your area.

[@SonicSnakeRecords]

I Googled and found a bunch.

[@ioapotyrell5089]

Sacrament of Christ reconciliation as well call Sacrament of Confession, it’s biblical. It doesn’t specify the word confession but logically it’s all about forgiveness. Jesus gave us 3 options how we can reconcile Matthew 18: 15 - 20 Peace be with us

[@scottritz7520]

You are overlooking a vital piece of the puzzle. A protestant may not be damned for being in material heresy however there is 0 chance they will go directly to Heaven. Even a confessed, last rights Catholic has a very low ability to go directly to Heaven. Purgatory is often disregarded the deeper i go into traditionalism. It becomes very protestant with a Heaven or Hell mindset. At very least a protestant will have to undergo purgation of their false beliefs and obstinancy. Every prot has driven past a Catholic Church at least 5,000 times in their life. It is incumbent upon them to investigate that church honestly. So I would say to protestants whether material or formal that they may not be damned but they will definitely not be going to heaven upon death

[@scottritz7520]

For example their mindset of the Blessed Mother must absolutely be addressed in Purgatory. They will need to be corrected on the impact she had in their life and in regards to their salvation. They must learn to love her to enter the kingdom of which she is Queen

[@glennyskitchen9491]

​@@scottritz7520so true, Protestants think they will go straight to Heaven with their hate to our blessed Mother!

[@Sniper_Cat_71]

The book "Manuscripts on Purgatory: As Seen by Two Mystics" by Sister Mary of the Cross has a section about this. This is a book about private revelation..... of course as Catholics we aren't required to believe in private revelation, but I will put it here for your discernment. It's a fascinating look at Purgatory. "Are many Protestants saved? By the mercy of God a certain number of Protestants are saved, but their Purgatory is for many long and rigorous. It is true they have not abused grace like many Catholics, but neither have they had the marvelous graces of the sacraments and the other helps of the true religion, thus their expiation in Purgatory is prolonged."

[@richardditty5318]

As a former evangelical protestant I would say your right and your wrong. Most Protestants see the Catholic Church as just another form of Christianity and don't give it much if any thought. You have to understand that most Protestants are born into their religion or are brought into it by someone they know, so it's all they know. I think for most Protestants their culpability is very low. In my case it wasn't until I recognized the problems within my form of protestantism that I was able to consider the Catholic point of view. Part of the problem is Catholics too, we don't do a good job evangelizing. There's little to no outreach to non-Catholics. I can't think of one time in my life where a Catholic friend talked to me about their faith or invited me to mass. Catholics seem to think it's obvious that Catholicism is authentic Christianity and that protestantism is wrong, but it's not for most people. The only reason I even found the Church was because a friend of ours invited us to their daughter's baptism and only after I had shown interest in the Catholic Church.

[@glennyskitchen9491]

@@richardditty5318 it's not that easy to talk to protestants about the Catholic church, I have friends that are protestants and everything what you say she is like that's not what that means and give it whatever interpretation she likes. Maybe in your case was different, but most of the time they are very feisty and ignorant. I have some in my own family that have left the church!

[@vinnyv949]

Some of this requiring full knowledge and complete consent I feel people use to downplay mortal sin. Because it makes the faith and its moral requirements a burden. What your basically saying when people use this type of argument and the invincible ignorance argument is it’s be better to leave people in a state of obliviousness because if they didn’t know it’s a sin they couldn’t have committed one. No. The moral law is written on everyone’s heart. Everyone knows right and wrong. Ignorance can’t be an excuse when transgressing the natural law. Now there can be some very specific and arcane requirements by the church that don’t necessarily pertain to the natural law but are more doctrinal then someone may have their culpability excused. But it can’t last forever. You need to be educating yourself constantly on what is sinful and what isn’t. Plus you can consent to something in a split second. It just irks me people who try and claim that it’s very hard to commit mortal sin. No it isn’t.

[@bobnas]

The next time you meet a Bible believing Protestant who tells you, “You can’t forgive sins, only God can!” Proceed to tell them, “You can’t cast out demons, heal the sick, prophesy, speak in tongues, raise the dead etc, only God can!”

[@alouie001]

The priest is en personae christi. It is the holy spirit that resides in the priest that give absolution and seal of confession.

[@jamesshkrelivanhoogstraten8040]

8:07 How can "orthoox" priests/churches have any such authority?

[@beatlecristian]

They have valid bishops, therefore have apostolic succession.

[@jamesshkrelivanhoogstraten8040]

@@beatlecristian can you explain how someone can be validly ordained while teaching heresy? doesn't that excommunicate them automatically? i dont understand

[@sueseelie]

Orthodox churches have valid apostolic succession, as he stated at 8:00

[@atgred]

How do we really reconcile with God? 2 Cor. 2:10 (confession-in persona christi) “For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be OBEDIENT in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes FORGAVE I it *IN THE PERSON OF CHRIST* ” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬-‭20 “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and *HATH GIVEN US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION;* 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.* 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.” All of this is possible only because Christ commands it in John 20:23 TO THE APOSTLES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS (Acts 1:21-26, 1 Tim. 4:14, 1 Tim. 5:22).

[@nongwadbniah2262]

I want to be clear on the verse that say " do not call any one Father"

[@Obedience33]

What's your concern?

[@wishihadavette2392]

God called Abraham father

[@arialthor]

I have a Question...if married to a non Catholic...and not thru the sacrament of matrimony is it commiting A Mortal Sin ?

[@imisschristendom5293]

Depends. If you were married before you became catholic, no. If you were already Catholic you were expected to get church permission to marry outside the church. If you didn't then would say its probably grave matter. For it to be a mortal sin you must also have had full knowledge, and given complete consent.

[@arialthor]

@@imisschristendom5293 Gratia Tibi 🙏

[@toxicharm7239]

Is there proof (Bible or written Catholic law) that any sexual act other than vaginal intercourse (inside the marriage) is wrong? I don't understand that one.

[@Abc-wh6ic]

If both okay for it its okay if you asking oral but its not ok to have threesome or change the partner even if you are ok with that inside the marrige only you with your wife and BOTH Must be okay with the sexual act if one dont like it lets say oral dont rush for it this is my understanding

[@tonyornelas9374]

Mark 2:7 states, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” If a priest can forgive sin then jesus died in vain

[@Happy_HIbiscus]

😊😊😊😊

[@livingpurgatory3]

👍✝️🙏🥰

[@d.o.7784]

How on earth ca you trust any priest in this day and age? Your confess your sins only to find them posted on the priests social media 😅😅

[@minlalvaiphei]

The people why they are confessing their sins is because they are in a state of repentance and where the Bible says that the followers of Jesus forgiving Sins of others, confessing Sins to other means for repentance who teaches them the Gospel of the truth but, what the Catholics priest do is intercetion and their's is only one mediator between God and man and that's Jesus Christ. Sorry

[@atgred]

Not sorry. Because we have Christ as mediator is the reason why we can confess our sins to an AMBASSADOR OF Christ! How do we really reconcile with God? 2 Cor. 2:10 (confession-in persona christi) “For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be OBEDIENT in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes FORGAVE I it *IN THE PERSON OF CHRIST* ” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬-‭20 “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and *HATH GIVEN US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION;* 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.* 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.” All of this is possible only because Christ commands it in John 20:23 TO THE APOSTLES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS (Acts 1:21-26, 1 Tim. 4:14, 1 Tim. 5:22).

[@minlalvaiphei]

@@atgred 😄😄😄

[@jebbthetrainkid1281]

I've always thought this is just plain Stupid. A Preist cannot forgive you and he cannot Save you. I can see talking to a Preacher as you would a Psychiatrist to have him help give you guidance and to get things off your mind and for just someone to talk to. Pray to GOD. Seek HIM. Not a Preist.

[@jaggedlines2257]

All those biblical references are talking about Christ and His redemptive act of forgiving sins through His sacrifice. Those references are NOT about sinful men who have the authority to forgive sins. Christ has FINISHED the ministry of forgiving sins when he died on the Cross and was resurrected. It is a heresy to believe that Priests are continuing the work of Christ in forgiving sins. 'IT IS FINISHED' Christ said. Therefore Priests are now redundant. They are no longer required. They, along with the rest of humanity are sinners. Priests must confess their sins to someone. Therefore, how can a sinner forgive the sins of another sinner? They cannot. Only a sinless person can forgive sins. The Gospel preached saying your sins are forgiven or retained are a reference to Christs death on the Cross. Priests must confess their own sins to Christ, not to another Priest. Sinners confessing sins to another sinner cannot be forgiven. Unless you believe that Priests do not sin. If that is the case, then it is worse that I thought.

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

And you didn't quote any scripture in this hot mess comment.

[@illegitiminoncarborundum115]

@jaggedlines2257 🥱

[@damianikpeazu4681]

Where is the biblical position of your argument? You have just made Jesus Christ a liar.who said that Son of man has power to forgive sin,and this power is He bequeathed to the Apostle. Pride should not make us to neglect this unique privileged given to His church through the Apostle (bishops),study your scriptures very well.

[@justthink8952]

There is a flaw in your theology. Christ died for all people. If he had finished the work of salvation such that we don't need to repent and confess our sins, then all people should be saved. But the fact is, not all are saved. Hence, the merits of Jesus Christ is not appropriated by anyone by default. Christ's merit is made available to all who are found worthy. Those who obey Christ's teachings will be found worthy. Those who don't obey Christ's teachings and teaches others to do the same will be damned because Jesus said, not everyone who calls me Lord Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven even if they preached and worked miracles in his name because they were wicked people, they worked iniquity. After Jesus rose from the dead, he breathed the Holy Spirit into his apostles and said, for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained. In Luke's gospel, Jesus commanded his disciples to proclaim the good news of repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name. We understand that the sacrifice of Christ has reconciled man with God but no one is saved by default. Jesus is the lamb of God who took away the sin (singular) of the world. What he did was between God and him on our behalf such that we may not face the strict justice of God the Father but that we may be given the opportunity to receive mercy and grace from Jesus Christ. We are saved by Jesus Christ through his mercy and love. This means we must do our duty to find the favour of Jesus Christ because Jesus will judge each individual..

[@ioapotyrell5089]

⁠@@justthink8952 AAAMEN John 20 : 19 -23 🙏

[@aussierob7177]

Scriptural.

[@QuigleyArbuthnot]

1 Thess. 5:20 "Do not despise prophetic utterances, but test all things. Hold on to what is good." Please remember the following prophecies when hostilities between East and West emerge in the Balkans. After Russia and China have jointly attacked the West, China will then make a surprise attack on her former ally. On September 26, 2021, St. Michael the Archangel told Luz de Maria de Bonilla: “Pray, People of God, pray for the Balkans: strategies for war are being prepared.” St. Michael the Archangel to Luz de Maria de Bonilla, on Nov. 3, 2022 "Keep in mind that there will be the death of a leader in the Balkans, which will immediately lead to war between nations." Our Lord Jesus to Luz de Maria on March 7th 2022 “Pray children, pray: China will rise up against Russia, to the astonishment of the world." On December 1, 2010, Luz de Maria recalled: “Mother Mary allowed me to see a vision: I saw many human beings fighting one another: blood will flow quickly in Rome, in France and in England. I see the pain, like a shadow bringing lamentation to the world and murder for the sake of a little bread... I see the Blessed Virgin Mary dressed in mourning (in black). She cries out to the Most Holy Trinity for all peoples. She fights against the forces of evil approaching man. I see legions of demons. St. Michael the Archangel accompanies Mother Mary. I see them triumphant at the end together with the Church, but only after a long purification involving a great plague that will go throughout the Earth. This is not just any plague - it is a plague of war, of sickness, of spiritual attack and suffering. The pain of Mother Mary has penetrated my being...”