In the instance of confession and absolution, Christ’s mediatory role is not being violated. Rather, it is being emphasized and enacted. This is apparent in the fact that Christ himself commands the leaders of the church to absolve and retain sins. This is apparent in the following two texts: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt 16:19) “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” (John 20:23)
