Pilgrim of this Reality
Member
I noticed that many beliefs set up rules or penance that a "sinner" must follow in order to recieve forgiveness. God and Jesus alone has that power, and we can never earn that forgiveness (Mark 2:5-12,Romans 3, 9-26). So why do many beliefs teach that someone must do a good deed to make up for the "sin" and be accepted back into the fold if God's forgiveness is a grace? Especially since God is the one who adds to the church; we dont have any say in who isnt added or who is (Acts 2:47). Christians are called to forgive and freely so. Why must someone earn our forgiveness?
Penance and like teachings could also be a way of moral learning. But isnt the fact that the person is willing to do such an act show that they already know what they did is wrong? (speaking of honest feelings here)
Penance and like teachings could also be a way of moral learning. But isnt the fact that the person is willing to do such an act show that they already know what they did is wrong? (speaking of honest feelings here)