What Does “Remission” Mean in the Bible?
Forgiveness. “The remission of sins” is the forgiveness of sins.
It can mean
- In the Creed: “I believe in the forgiveness of sins.” The Douay-Rheims Bible says “remission.”
- At the Last Supper: Jesus said his blood would be shed for the remission of sins.
- After he rose: Jesus gave the apostles the power to forgive sins.
Where it appears in the Bible
Mark 1:4; Matthew 26:28; John 20:23
What the Bible says
Mark 1:4
John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
Matthew 26:28
For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.
John 20:23
Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
Source: RAE, “remisión” and “remitir” (to forgive); Catechism 976 and 1449