Penance, The Forgiveness of Sins, The Power of the Keys

What is Penance?

Penance is the Sacrament in which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven.

How does the Sacrament of Penance forgive sins?

The Sacrament of Penance forgives sins through the Absolution of the Priest.

When did Jesus Christ give the priest the power of forgiving sins?

Jesus Christ gave the priest the power of forgiving sins when He said: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." - John 20:23

Why did Christ delegate the power of forgiving sins?

Christ delegated the power of forgiving sins, because:

1) He is infinitely merciful;

2) He, knowing the weakness of human nature, and the temptations and allurements to sin, saw that sins would be committed after the reception of Baptism;

3) He wished to give every repentant sinner an occasion of reconciliation and the certainty of divine pardon.

What consolation does the Sacrament of Penance give to a repentant soul?

The Sacrament of Penance:

1) Gives divine certainty to the repentant soul that past sins are forgiven;

2) It gives peace and joy in reconciling the soul to God;

3) It infuses courage and hope to serve God faithfully in the future.

Why is the power of forgiving sins called the Power of the Keys?

The power of forgiving sins is called the Power of The Keys because, when promising it, Christ said to Saint Peter: "I will give to thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven." - Matthew 16:19