Expert: Sal - 4/23/2008

Question
Hi Sal,

I know I asked you this before, but my memory isn't so good.  Can you tell me where in the Bible we find support for indulgences?  I think you mentioned Corinthians.

Thanks,

Les

Answer
Dear Les:

Great to hear from you. I hope that everything is going well for you.

An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment due for sins. This remission is granted by the Church by virtue of its exercise of the power of the keys granted only to the Catholic Church (Mt. 16:19). My memory isn’t that great either, but I may have mentioned 2 Cor. 2:10. St. Paul had previously excommunicated a man who was committing incest (1 Cor. 5:1-5). Then in 2 Cor. 2 we learn that this man had repented. Therefore, the Church acting through its Bishop, St. Paul, gave an indulgence to the man. That is to say that the temporal punishment for his sin was remitted in Christ’s name (2 Cor. 2:10). The man then could reenter the Church as a member in good standing.

By virtue of the fact that God’s people are so closely united (Rom. 12:5, 1 Cor. 12:26) the Church can give indulgences to both the living and the dead based on the merits of other members of the body of Christ. For example in Mt. 9:1-8 Jesus forgives a sinner based on the merits of his friends (v. 2). Another example, this one from the Old Testament is found in 2 Macc. Here we read of the temporal punishment due for the sins of fallen soldiers being remitted by the prayers and sacrifices of fellow soldiers (2 Macc. 12:42-46).

I pray that this is helpful to you.

God Bless You,
Sal