Repentance Flash Cards
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What is the Ge'ez root of the word for 'Repentance' and what does it mean?
The Ge'ez root is 'nessihā' (ነሰሐ), which means to regret, be sorry, and turn back.
In the context of the Sacraments, what specific type of sin is Repentance intended to remit?
It is performed to remit any sin committed after Baptism.
Who founded, commanded, and taught the Sacrament of Repentance?
Our Savior Jesus Christ.
What was the initial teaching Jesus used to introduce the concept of repentance?
He began by teaching, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
According to the text, who is the only one with the inherent authority to forgive and remit sin?
The only one with this authority is God, who became human (Jesus Christ).
After His earthly ministry, to whom did Christ give the authority to forgive sins?
He gave His authority to His disciples (the Apostles).
Christ made the Apostles possessors of His authority by saying, "I will forgive those you forgive, and I will hold to their sin those you _____ to."
hold
Along with a declaration of blessedness, what authority was given to Peter after his confession of faith?
The authority to remit sins.
What did Christ say to all his followers to show he gave them equal heavenly authority to forgive sins?
"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
After His resurrection, what did Christ say to the Apostles to confirm their authority to remit sin?
"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Who performs the Sacrament of Repentance as agents of Christ?
It is performed by the Bishop and the priest.
What precedent from the Old Covenant is cited for priests having the authority to remit sins?
The priests of Orit (Levitical priests) had the authority to pray for and remit sins.
After healing a man with leprosy, what permanent commandment did Christ give him, setting a type for the New Law?
He commanded him, "Go, show yourself to the priest."
The text states that the authority to remit sin, given to priests, was not even given to whom?
This authority was not given to the angels.
What is the relationship between the decision of an earthly priest and the heavenly King?
The heavenly King confirms what the earthly priest decides.
Term: Repentance (Internal Act)
Definition: To be sorry and grieve for one's sins and mistakes, and to resolve not to commit them again.
Term: Confession (Nuzaaze)
Definition: The act of appearing before a priest and speaking one's sins, including their cause and manner of execution.
During confession, who must the penitent believe is present as the third party between them and the priest?
The penitent must believe that God is present as the third party to hear and forgive.
What must a person do regarding their grievances against others before coming to God for forgiveness?
They must forgive those who wronged them before approaching the God who forgives.
When a priest prays, "May God forgive you, May God loose you," from what is the penitent freed?
The person is freed from all bonds of sin, whether committed knowingly or unknowingly.
Repentance has the power to make a harlot like a _____, a sinner like a righteous person, and an offender as if they had not offended.
virgin
Why is the Sacrament of Repentance considered a 'mystery'?
Because how a person receives forgiveness and how their sin is remitted is neither seen nor examined.
The visible ministry of repentance involves the penitent confessing and the priest praying; what is the corresponding invisible grace?
The invisible grace is the cleansing from sin, the restoration of lost grace, and the renewal of sonship.
What do we believe remits sin in the Sacrament of Repentance?
We believe sin is remitted by the word of God, the authority of the priest, and through prayer.
Term: Canon (Qänoona)
Definition: A penalty given to a penitent person to put them back on the lawful, Christian path.
What is the primary purpose of a Canon (Qänoona)?
Its purpose is for the correction of the penitent, to help them become a true Christian as before.
Since when has the practice of giving Canons existed in the Church?
It has existed since the time of the Apostles and was practiced by the ancient and Apostolic Church.
Who is cited as teaching about the need to remove a sinner from the community, forming a basis for Church discipline?
St. Paul is cited as teaching this.
What are some examples of Canons that may be given to a penitent today?
Examples include reading Holy Scripture, making pilgrimages, giving alms, fasting, or temporarily refraining from holy things.
Name one of the pilgrimage sites mentioned as a possible Canon for a penitent.
Axum, Gishen, Waldiba, Däbrä Libanos, or Ziquala.
What happens after a penitent successfully fulfills the time and type of their assigned Canon?
They become a full participant in all the holy things and Sacraments of the Church again.
What is one of the primary benefits of Repentance concerning the soul?
Repentance renews the aged inner self (soul) and cleanses the stained inner self (soul).
What spiritual barrier does Repentance tear down?
It tears down the wall of sin that was between man and God.
According to Christ's teaching, who is able to see the invisible God?
Those with a pure heart, whose souls are cleansed, shall see God.
What must a person do to be able to partake in all the other Sacraments of the Church?
They must first perform the Sacrament of Repentance and confess their sin to a priest.
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