[Greek] ἄφεσις (aphesis), [Latin] remissio: pardon, deliverance, forgiveness, remissio, release, dismissal; Mt.26:28, Mk.1:4, Mk.3:29, Lk.1:77, Lk.3:3, Lk.4:18, Lk.24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 5:31, Acts 10:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 26:18, Eph.1:7, Col.1:14, Heb.9:22, Heb.10:18
The Last Supper: painting by Carl Bloch. Jesus offers His Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means letting go, release, dismissal, a leave of, exemption from, remission, divorce, discharge, and relaxation. This term has the sense of release from office, obligation, marriage, debt, or punishment. Aristotle’s Athenian Constitution states “He obtained a leave of absence from the council.” Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.77 states “Your ambassador visited me and discussed the release of the vessel commanded by Leodamas.” Plato’s Laws 869d states “And what has been said about the remission of the murder charge of a father shall hold equally good.” Plutarch’s Pompey 42 states “He sent her a bill of divorce.”
Old Testament: This term means release, surrender, leaving, remission, liberation, amnesty, and forgiveness. The object of remission is sin or guilt. God is the one who forgives. The relationship of man and God is conceived in legal terms.
This fiftieth year you shall make sacred by proclaiming liberty in the land for all (Lev.25:10). King Zedekiah had made an agreement in Jerusalem to issue and edict of emancipation (Jer.41:8). Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke (Isa.58:6). To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners (Isa.61:1). The king granted a holiday to the provinces and bestowed gifts with royal bounty (Est.2:18). Since the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves (Lev.17:11).
New Testament: This term means forgiveness and liberty. Jesus states that His Blood of the Covenant will be shed on behalf of all for the forgiveness of sins. John the Baptist appears in the desert proclaiming a baptism (of water) for the forgiveness of sins. Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never receive forgiveness, but is guilty of everlasting sin. Zechariah prophesies that Jesus will forgive sins. In the synagogue Jesus proclaims liberty to captives and the oppressed. Jesus proclaimed that repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached to all nations. There can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.
Scripture:
“But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” Mk.3:29
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is attributed to Satan. The work of the Holy Spirit is victory over the demons.
“The Spirit of th Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and to let the oppressed go free.” Lk.4:18
In the synagogue, Jesus reads prophecy of Isa 61:1-2. Luke’s gospel is concerned about the economically and socially poor.
“According to the law almost everything is purified by blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” Heb.9:22
Etymology: This term is related to its verb base form henai, meaning to send. The prefix apo- means away. The prefix kata- means down. The related verb kathienai means to send down. This verb becomes the precursor to the modern word catheter. At first glance, it does not seem that the words remission and remission are related. Something that is relaxed, let go, and relaxed can be remiss.
Conclusion:
Remission, remiss
The notion of a legal relationship between God and man is non-existant in Greek Hellenism. This term is not used in a religious sense. There is also no distinction between God and spirits. However, it was interesting to see that this term is used in a variety of meanings, such as with obligations and commitments.
The New Testament Hebrew culture continues the Old Testament notion that life of the flesh is in the blood. Jesus offers His shed Blood for the forgiveness of sins. Luke’s gospel is written for poor and downtrodden. Jesus calls upon Paul to open other’s eyes so that they may obtain forgiveness of their sins. Paul recounts Jesus taking away Paul’s own spiritual blindess.
Catholic perspective: At Mass, the priest calls upon the Holy Spirit to change the offered bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. The communion host and the cup each contain both the Body and Blood Christ. That is why it can be sufficient for Catholics can partake either of the Host or chalice. Or Catholics may partake of both species.
Finally, I would be remiss in saying that perhaps the greatest and saddest irony of all is this that the Jews couldn’t drink of the blood because they believed that the life (of the flesh) is in the blood (Lev.17:11). But Jesus is offering everlasting life which is in His Blood. This was a drink (Jesus’ Blood) that the Jews could not take. Several disciples walked away.
So now it is time for me to take my leave from you.