What Are Indulgences?Among the most misunderstood teachings of the Catholic Church is the doctrine of indulgences. Many Protestants assume indulgences mean “buying forgiveness,” while atheists often dismiss them as medieval corruption. Yet the authentic Catholic teaching is far deeper, biblical, and historically rooted than many critics realize.
The Catholic Church teaches that an indulgence is:
“A remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.”¹
This means indulgences do not forgive sin itself. Only God forgives sin through the merits of Christ, especially in repentance and the Sacrament of Confession. Instead, indulgences address the temporal consequences of sin that remain even after forgiveness.
To understand indulgences correctly, we must first understand the biblical distinction between eternal punishment and temporal punishment.
Eternal Punishment vs. Temporal Punishment
The Bible shows that God may forgive sin while still allowing temporal consequences to remain.
A classic example is King David. After David repented of adultery and murder, the prophet Nathan declared:
“The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” (2 Samuel 12:13)
David was forgiven. Yet temporal punishment still followed:
“Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child that is born to you shall die.” (2 Samuel 12:14)
David’s guilt was forgiven, but consequences remained.
This principle appears throughout Scripture:
- Moses was forgiven, yet barred from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).
- The Israelites were forgiven, yet suffered temporal punishments in the wilderness (Numbers 14:20–23).
- Christians forgiven in Christ may still experience discipline from God (Hebrews 12:6).
Thus, the Catholic understanding of indulgences flows from the biblical reality that forgiveness and temporal consequences are not always identical.
The Biblical Foundations of Indulgences
1. The Church Has Authority to Bind and Loose
Jesus told the Apostles:
“Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)
And again:
“Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18)
The authority to “bind and loose” referred to juridical and spiritual authority recognized in Jewish tradition. Catholics believe Christ entrusted His Church with authority to apply the fruits of redemption pastorally to believers.
Indulgences arise from this authority.
2. The Treasury of the Church
The doctrine also rests upon the unity of Christ’s Body.
Saint Paul teaches:
“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
He also writes:
“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” (Colossians 1:24)
Catholics do not believe Christ’s sacrifice is insufficient. Rather, believers are invited to participate in Christ’s redemptive work through grace.
The Church therefore teaches the existence of a “treasury” consisting primarily of the infinite merits of Christ and secondarily the prayers and good works of the saints united to Him.²
3. Prayer and Penance for Others
Scripture repeatedly shows believers helping one another spiritually.
- Job prayed for his friends (Job 42:8–9).
- Paul prayed for Onesiphorus after death (2 Timothy 1:16–18).
- Christians are commanded to intercede for one another (James 5:16).
The principle behind indulgences is connected to the communion of saints: Christians assist one another spiritually through Christ.
Indulgences and Purgatory
Indulgences are closely related to the doctrine of purgatory because they concern temporal punishment.
The Bible suggests purification after death:
“He will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15)
Another important text is:
“Therefore he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.” (2 Maccabees 12:45)
This passage demonstrates Jewish belief in postmortem purification and prayer for the dead centuries before Christ.
Because indulgences remit temporal punishment, Catholics may apply them either to themselves or to souls in purgatory.
What the Catechism of the Catholic Church Teaches
The Catechism explains:
“An indulgence is obtained through the Church who, by virtue of the power of binding and loosing granted her by Christ Jesus, intervenes in favor of individual Christians.”³
The Catechism further teaches:
“The faithful can gain indulgences for themselves or apply them to the dead.”⁴
There are two kinds:
Partial Indulgence
Removes part of temporal punishment.
Plenary Indulgence
Removes all temporal punishment due to sin.
To receive a plenary indulgence, the Church normally requires:
- Sacramental confession
- Holy Communion
- Prayer for the Pope’s intentions
- Complete detachment from sin
These conditions demonstrate that indulgences are deeply tied to repentance and holiness—not magical rituals.
Did the Catholic Church Sell Indulgences?
This is perhaps the most common objection.
Historically, abuses did occur during certain periods of Church history, especially before the Protestant Reformation. Some preachers falsely gave the impression that salvation could be purchased with money.
The Catholic Church itself condemned these abuses.
The Council of Trent declared:
“In granting indulgences, the Church desires that moderation be observed… all evil gains for the obtaining thereof be wholly abolished.”⁵
Therefore, abuse of indulgences does not invalidate the doctrine itself any more than corrupt pastors invalidate Christianity.
The Church distinguishes between:
- the legitimate doctrine of indulgences, and
- sinful abuses committed by individuals.
Protestant Objection #1: “Christ Paid It All”
Many Protestants argue that indulgences deny the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.
Catholics fully agree that Christ’s death is completely sufficient for salvation.
However, Scripture still teaches ongoing discipline, sanctification, penance, and participation in Christ’s sufferings.
For example:
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)
And:
“Whom the Lord loves He disciplines.” (Hebrews 12:6)
Indulgences do not add to Christ’s sacrifice. Rather, they apply the fruits of His sacrifice through the ministry of the Church.
Protestant Objection #2: “The Bible Never Mentions Indulgences”
The word “Trinity” also never appears in the Bible, yet the doctrine is biblical.
Catholic doctrines often develop from biblical principles rather than isolated proof-texts.
Indulgences are rooted in:
- binding and loosing authority,
- temporal punishment,
- the communion of saints,
- intercessory prayer,
- ecclesial authority,
- and purification after death.
The doctrine developed organically from these biblical realities.
Protestant Objection #3: “Only God Can Forgive Sins”
Catholics agree.
Yet Christ delegated authority to His Apostles:
“Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.” (John 20:23)
The Church acts ministerially under Christ’s authority, not independently from Him.
Similarly, indulgences do not replace God’s forgiveness but administer spiritual benefits flowing from Christ.
Atheist Objection: “Indulgences Are Medieval Superstition”
Atheists often portray indulgences as irrational religious manipulation.
However, the concept reflects a coherent biblical worldview:
- actions have consequences,
- human beings belong to a spiritual community,
- repentance includes restoration,
- and spiritual discipline matters.
Even secular justice systems recognize distinctions between guilt and consequences. A criminal may be forgiven personally yet still undergo rehabilitation or penalties. Catholic theology applies similar moral logic spiritually.
Witness of the Early Church Fathers
The early Christians believed the Church possessed authority to impose and remit penitential discipline.
Tertullian (c. AD 155–220)
Tertullian referred to ecclesiastical reconciliation after grave sins through acts of penance.⁶
Saint Cyprian of Carthage (c. AD 200–258)
Cyprian discussed how bishops could mitigate penitential punishments for repentant believers.⁷
Saint Augustine (354–430)
Augustine affirmed purification after death and the efficacy of prayers for the departed.⁸
These early witnesses demonstrate that the roots of indulgences existed long before medieval Catholicism.
The Spiritual Purpose of Indulgences
Indulgences are not shortcuts to heaven.
Their true purpose is:
- to encourage repentance,
- inspire prayer,
- deepen charity,
- promote sacramental life,
- and unite believers more closely to Christ.
The Church grants indulgences for acts such as:
- reading Scripture,
- Eucharistic adoration,
- praying the Rosary,
- works of mercy,
- visiting cemeteries and praying for the dead.
Thus indulgences encourage holiness, not spiritual laziness.
Conclusion
When properly understood, indulgences are not about “buying salvation” or escaping God’s justice. They are about the healing power of Christ working through His Church.
The doctrine flows from biblical truths:
- sin has consequences,
- the Church has spiritual authority,
- Christians are united in one Body,
- prayers benefit others,
- and God disciplines those He loves.
While historical abuses occurred, the authentic Catholic doctrine remains deeply rooted in Scripture, early Christian practice, and the Church’s understanding of God’s mercy.
Ultimately, indulgences point not to human power but to the overflowing grace of Jesus Christ, whose merits alone make salvation possible.
Footnotes
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1471.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1476–1477.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1478.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1479.
- Council of Trent, Session 25, “Decree on Indulgences.”
- Tertullian, On Repentance, Chapter 10.
- Cyprian of Carthage, Letters, 51:20.
- Augustine, City of God, Book 21, Chapter 13.
Recommended Catholic Bible Passages for Further Study
- Matthew 16:19
- Matthew 18:18
- John 20:23
- 1 Corinthians 3:15
- Colossians 1:24
- Hebrews 12:6
- James 5:16
- 2 Maccabees 12:45
- 2 Samuel 12:13–14
Final Apologetic Reflection
The real question is not whether abuses occurred in Church history—they certainly did. The real question is whether Christ gave His Church authority to shepherd souls, apply His grace pastorally, and help believers grow in holiness.
Catholics answer yes—not because of human tradition alone, but because of Scripture, apostolic authority, and the continuous witness of Christian history.
