Is confessing sins to a priest biblically supported?

Old Testament Background

In the Mosaic Law, priests acted as intermediaries between the people and God, offering sacrifices on behalf of the nation (see Leviticus 16). Under that covenant, individuals brought sin offerings to the priest, who would then perform rituals to atone for sins (Leviticus 4). These practices symbolized the seriousness of sin and the necessity of blood atonement (Leviticus 17:11). However, the primary role of the priest regarding confession was to oversee the sacrificial system, rather than to grant or withhold personal absolution. The consistent thread was that Yahweh Himself was the ultimate forgiver of sin (Psalm 51:4).

Christ as the Fulfillment of the Priesthood

Under the new covenant, Christ is presented as the ultimate High Priest. Hebrews 7:26 calls Him “holy, innocent, undefiled,” showing that His priesthood is superior and eternal. Hebrews 7–10 explains that Jesus offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27), rendering ongoing animal sacrifices obsolete. Because His sacrifice is final and sufficient, believers approach God directly through Him (Hebrews 4:14–16). This restructuring of the priestly role suggests that the unique function of Old Testament priests—mediating sacrifices—is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who now serves as the sole mediator of salvation.

New Testament Instructions on Confession

The New Testament encourages confession of sins, but it consistently points to God’s direct forgiveness through Christ. First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The exhortation is for believers to confess to God—indicating that divine forgiveness is offered broadly to all who repent (Mark 1:15).

There is also a communal dimension to confession: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for one another so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). In this context, confession serves the purpose of mutual accountability, spiritual support, and intercessory prayer rather than establishing a new priestly office. The text never specifies a formal hierarchy for confession or priestly absolution; it directs believers to cultivate mutual care and prayer in community.

Examining John 20:23

One of the main passages often cited in support of priestly confession is John 20:23:

“If you forgive anyone his sins they are forgiven. If you withhold forgiveness it is withheld” (John 20:23).

Some interpretations from later church tradition see this statement as granting priests the exclusive power to forgive sins. However, biblical scholarship points out that in context, Jesus is addressing all His disciples (John 20:19–25). This commission relates to proclaiming and affirming the forgiveness of sins that comes through the gospel of Christ. The statement is often understood to mean that when believers declare the gospel and someone repents, the message of forgiveness is valid. Conversely, if someone rejects that message, forgiveness is withheld because the person remains in sin. The capacity to apply or withhold forgiveness is grounded in declaring the truth about salvation, not in taking on a new role of mediator.

One Mediator Between God and Men

First Timothy 2:5 clarifies that “there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” The straightforward reading is that Christ alone stands as the mediator who brings God’s forgiveness to humanity. While pastors, elders, or other leaders may help guide believers in understanding and applying Scripture, the unique role of mediating salvation belongs to Christ. Clergy involvement can be valuable in counsel or discipleship, yet the New Testament does not command that believers must confess their sins to a priest in order to receive forgiveness.

Historical Church Practices

Throughout history, early Christian communities certainly practiced confession. Documents from the second and third centuries (e.g., writings by Tertullian and Hippolytus) outline corporate confession and repentance processes. Over time, structured penance and private confession developed into more formal systems, culminating in the Roman Catholic sacrament of penance. However, many scholars note that the earliest centuries showed a more communal practice of repentance rather than a strict requirement to confess specifically to a priest for absolution.

Biblical Emphasis on Direct Access to God

The overall biblical witness strongly emphasizes that believers have direct access to God through Christ. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” That access does not negate the church’s role in teaching, accountability, or prayer support but underscores that forgiveness ultimately belongs to God. Under the new covenant, the Holy Spirit indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19), guiding and convicting individuals. While Christians are called to bear one another’s burdens, Scripture points to a personal relationship with God in which believers confess sin to Him and receive direct forgiveness (1 John 2:1–2).

Conclusion

Confession of sin is a biblical practice, yet requiring it specifically through a priest for the sake of receiving forgiveness does not find clear mandate in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, priests facilitated animal sacrifices and acted as mediators in a sacrificial system that prefigured Christ’s atonement. After Christ’s death and resurrection, believers are called to confess sins primarily to God and also within the community of faith for mutual prayer and accountability. Scripture consistently declares that forgiveness is grounded in the finished work of Christ, who is both the mediator and the High Priest. Therefore, while believers may certainly seek counsel or prayer from church leaders, the biblical pattern does not require confession to a priest as a condition for God’s forgiveness.