We’ve looked at Pope Francis’ "Twitter Theology" on the Church, the cross, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. This week’s topic is the central message of the Gospel: the forgiveness of sins.
Scripture is clear: "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But the next verse is just as important: "and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3.23-24)
We all do bad things, and we know that we do. Sin wounds our relationship with others and with God, and we are all in desperate need of forgiveness if we want to gain heaven and avoid the eternal punishment of hell. Jesus died for our sins on the cross and rose again on the third day defeating death. He is the "Way" (John 14.6), and through faith in him we can obtain forgiveness of our sins and a new life.
Pope Francis is the Vicar of Christ, the successor of St. Peter, charged with preaching and guarding the Gospel, so it’s no surprise that forgiveness has been a main theme in his teachings sent out to the Twitterverse.
Confessing our sins may be difficult for us, but it brings us peace. We are sinners, and we need God’s forgiveness.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex)
November 18, 2013God’s forgiveness is stronger than any sin.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex)
September 26, 2013We are all sinners, but we experience the joy of God’s forgiveness and we walk forward trusting in his mercy.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex)
September 19, 2013Don’t be afraid to ask God for forgiveness. He never tires of forgiving us. God is pure mercy.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex)
August 25, 2013We are all sinners. But may the Lord not let us be hypocrites. Hypocrites don’t know the meaning of forgiveness, joy and the love of God.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex)
June 23, 2013Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex)
June 16, 2013To live according to the Gospel is to fight against selfishness. The Gospel is forgiveness and peace; it is love that comes from God.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex)
May 22, 2013
And today we celebrate...