Retaining or Remitting

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.—Jesus.

Before coming into some understanding of Christian Science this verse presented many difficulties to me. It seemed an arbitrary bestowal of a gift by our Lord upon his immediate disciples, to be afterwards claimed by their successors, and which gave reason for the foundation of the doctrine of confession and absolution. In reading it with its context, as all Scripture should be read, and learning its spiritual interpretation through Christian Science, one sees what a wonderful lesson this seemingly difficult passage has to teach. The preceding verse reads, "He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost." He inspired them with his spirit, and they received the Holy Ghost, through whose agency they were enabled to remit the sins of others.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
A Clematis Vine
July 21, 1906
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit