Remission/Forgiveness

[TheMathematician]

a tweet from a friend of mine, who is studying to become a Protestant Church of Christ preacher, sent out this tweet, copied directly

"One of my goals: remove the word "remission" from our church vocab #itscalledforgiveness"

I know that there is some difference between the two words, an important one, but my question is:

From the Orthodox viewpoint, what's the difference between the two?

[yeshuaisiam]

Remission means stopped / cover up.  Not allowed to spread around.  Like a fungus in remission will not spread, but stops.  But it is still a fungus.

Forgiveness is a complicated definition, but it is proceeded by humbleness, repentance, sorrow, etc., from the sinner.  Forgiveness is a form of pardon often led in love and concern.  Forgiveness is a form of sympathy as well.  The nature of forgiveness is one of its own.  Forgiveness is also to "let go". 

I'm sure some can help elaborate.

[akimori makoto]

Just my opinion, but I think afesin is more appropriately translated as "remission" than "forgiveness". The former seems to square more neatly with our theology of sin and redemption from same.

[Shanghaiski]

I read from an Orthodox priest (don't remember which one) that remission was greater and more complete than forgiveness.

When it comes to the Protestant idea of imputed righteousness, where people are not made righteous but just seen that way by God, I suppose it would make sense for a Protestant to want to get rid of remission (as the greater, more complete).

Father Matthew the Poor said that, when Christ was crucified, water and blood flowed from his side--water to wash away sin, and blood to withhold its power. In my estimation, the water signifies baptism, and the blood the eucharist. And, in terms of this sort of discussion, water for forgiveness and blood for remission--although this isn't exact because we say both baptism and communion are for remission of sins--baptism for remission of sins in the creed, and communion unto remission of sins and eternal life in the Liturgy.

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