Library › St Basil the Great › Shorter Rules

Shorter Rules

St Basil the Great, tr. Lowther Clarke, 1925

Rule 15: What is the Meaning of: How Oft Shall My Brother Sin Against Me and I Forgive…

Authority to forgive sins has not been given unconditionally, but is dependent on the obedience of the penitent and his agreement with the man who is entrusted with the care of his soul. For it is written concerning such: ‘“If two of you shall agree upon earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” But as for what manner of sins, this question must not be even asked, since the New Testament indicates no difference to us² and promises forgiveness of every sin to those who repent worthily, and especially since the Lord promised it in His own person for every matter.

Notes

Mt. xviii. 21.
Mt. xviii. 19.