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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Penance is an act of devotion designed to show sorrow for or repentance of sin. The word penance is mentioned in two Bible translations, the New Living Translation (NLT), a modern-day thought-for-t...
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Vincent Mercado
Supporter
No. The word "penance" is not mentioned anywhere in the modern English translation of the Bible. However, if the definition of "penance" is the "repentance of sins", then we can say that the Bible is peppered with ideas of penance. From the teachings of Christ, we learn that God and the angels greatly rejoice over the the repentance of a sinner (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin) and that the Father restores his children into a relationship with him upon their return (Prodigal Son). We also learn to forgive others because we, ourselves, have been forgiven (Unforgiving Servant) All sins can be forgiven. No sin is to great that God cannot forgive, yet forgiveness is not automatically received. It is received through confession. 1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." We confess our sins to priests because Jesus gave them authority to forgive sins. John 20:23 says "If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Todd Rushing
Supporter
The Bible clearly teaches salvation (forgiveness of sins) is by faith and not by works. The Bible says, "By grace are you saved, through faith, and not of works lest any man should boast." When Christ died on the cross, the temple veil that isolates the holy of holies was torn from top to bottom, meaning we no longer have to go through a priest for forgiveness of sins. It also means that we can go directly to the throne of God with our requests (prayers) instead of having to do works of atonement. This is where Catholics differ from Protestants.
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