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Why do Catholics go to a priest to confess their sins? For many non-Catholics, this seems unnecessary—even unbiblical. But the truth is, the Bible has a lot more to say on this topic than just the two verses often quoted in Protestant circles.
In this post, we’re going to walk through 10 key Scripture passages every Catholic should highlight in their Bible—and understand in conversations about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Keep a pen, highlighter, and margin space ready, because these verses build a powerful case.
1. 1 Timothy 2:5 — “One Mediator”
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)
Non-Catholics often cite this to argue that going to a priest “adds a mediator.” But Catholics believe what this verse says: Jesus is the only saving mediator. No priest can die for your sins. Confession doesn’t replace Jesus—it applies His mediation through the Church He established.
Write in the margin: “Amen! But not the whole story.” Then cross-reference the next text.
2. 1 John 1:9 — “If We Confess Our Sins…”
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
We absolutely believe this verse. But is this the only way the New Testament describes the forgiveness of sins? Catholics say no—and we believe all Scripture is profitable (2 Tim 3:16). So… let’s read more.
Write in the margin: “Is this all? → Luke 5:20–24”
3. Luke 5:20–24 — Jesus Forgives Sins… On Earth
“That you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” (Luke 5:24)
Here, Jesus directly claims the authority to forgive sins—and backs it up by healing a paralyzed man. The Pharisees are shocked: “Only God can forgive sins!” Yes—and Jesus, as God in the flesh, does exactly that. Write in the margin: “Next → Luke 7:47–49”
4. Luke 7:47–49 — “Your Sins Are Forgiven”
Jesus again pronounces forgiveness—and again shocks the room. But here’s the key question to ask:
Can Jesus give this authority to someone else?
If the answer is yes, then we need to ask if He ever did. And He did—more than once.
Next stop: Luke 10:19
5. Luke 10:19 — Power Over the Enemy
“Behold, I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy.” (Luke 10:19)
Jesus gives real authority to His missionaries. Not symbolic authority—actual power over evil. If He gave them this, can He also give them authority to forgive sins?
Write in the margin: “Next → John 20:21–23”
6. John 20:21–23 — “Whose Sins You Forgive…”
“As the Father has sent me, even so I send you… If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
This is the clincher. Jesus breathes on the apostles and gives them authority to forgive or retain sins. This is real apostolic power—not metaphorical. And it’s the biblical foundation for confession to a priest.
Write in the margin: “Next → Romans 15:16”
7. Romans 15:16 — Paul as a Priest
“To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God…”
Paul describes his apostolic mission in priestly terms. He’s not just preaching—he’s offering sacrifices, presenting the people as an offering to God. Even Protestant translations render this as “ministering as a priest.”
Next verse: 1 Corinthians 9:13–14
8. 1 Corinthians 9:13–14 — Priestly Provision Continues
Paul says apostles have a right to make their living “by the gospel,” just as Old Testament priests lived off sacrifices. This is a clear parallel: Old Covenant priests → New Covenant apostles. Not replacement—but fulfillment.
Write in the margin: “Next → Acts 26:15–18”
9. Acts 26:15–18 — Paul Sent to Forgive
“I am sending you… that they may receive forgiveness of sins.”
Paul isn’t just telling people about forgiveness. He’s commissioned by Jesus so that they may receive it. That’s confession in action. A priestly role. A minister of reconciliation.
Write in the margin: “Final stop → 2 Corinthians 5:18–20”
10. 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 — Ministers of Reconciliation
Paul puts it all together: Christ reconciles the world—and entrusts that message to us. “We are ambassadors,” he says. “God making his appeal through us.”
We Catholics believe confession to a priest is biblical because it reflects all Scripture, not just selected verses. It embraces both the one Mediator and the ministers of His reconciliation.
Conclusion: More Scripture, Not Less
When someone says, “I don’t need to confess to a priest,” ask this: “Are those two verses the only ones you’re reading?” Because the Bible says more. A lot more.
All Scripture is profitable. And all Scripture tells the story of a Church founded by Jesus, empowered by His Spirit, led by His apostles—and ministering His forgiveness through them.
If you want the fullness of what Jesus offers, don’t just highlight these verses—live them. Receive the gift of confession, where Christ still says, “Your sins are forgiven.”