QUESTION AND ANSWER

 

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   Those who believe that it is necessary to confess sins only before a priest, and even those who do not do this or who are allegedly guilty, deprive of the sacrament, are deeply mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures. In the old days, those who did not confess were fined (for example, accused of schismaticism), and it happened that they were even dragged to the fire. However, both the New and Old Testament teach that confessing all sins is only necessary to God, and some in front of people, asking for an apology if you have offended them.

   Sin is lawlessness, that is, violation of God's law of commandments (Ex 20.2-17, 1 John 3.4).

   Observance of not some, but all the commandments is obligatory: whoever breaks one commandment (for example, on the Saturday - Ex 20.8-11), is guilty of breaking all (James 2.10).

   If you have offended someone, ask Him for forgiveness (James 5.16).

   Make peace with your neighbor before turning to God (Matt 5.24).

   All sins, including against people, are sins against God. Confess only before God, without witnesses, your sin and repent, and God will forgive you, but your sin will forget, as if it did not exist (Ps 32.5).

 

   For there is one God, one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself up for the redemption of all.

                                                                                     1 Tim 2.5

 

   Once Lysander, a Spartan commander (450-395 BC), turned to the Samothrace oracle, and the priest ordered him to name the most lawless deed he had done in his life.

   "And who demands it?" - Lysander asked, -  "You or the gods?"

   "Gods", the priest replied.

   "Then go away", - said the commander, - "I'll tell them myself".

                                                                                     Plutarch