A Complete Catechism of the Catholic Religion/Tenth Article
The Tenth Article.
'The Forgiveness of Sins.'
I. What does the Tenth Article of the Creed teach us?
That in the Catholic Church we can receive, through the merits of Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins and of the punishment due to them.
'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins, according to the riches of His grace' (Eph. i. 3, 7).
2. What sins can be forgiven in the Catholic Church?
All sins without exception.
3. What must the sinner do in order to obtain forgiveness of his sins?
1. He must truly repent; for Christ says, 'Unless you shall do penance, you shall all perish' (Luke xiii. 3); and 2. He must worthily receive the Sacraments instituted by Christ for the remission of sins.
4. Which Sacraments were instituted by Christ for the remission of sins?
The Sacraments of Baptism and Penance.
5. Who has power to forgive sins in the Sacrament of Penance?
The Bishops of the Catholic Church and the Priests commissioned by them; for it was to them only that Christ said, ' Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them' (John xx. 23).
Application. Give hearty thanks to God for having promised you forgiveness of your sins, and go willingly and frequently to confession; but first prepare yourself well for it, that it may be said to you also, ' Be of good heart, son, thy sins are forgiven thee' (Matt. ix. 2).