For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Ps 103:11-12)
And not only is this the wonderful thing that He remits our sins, but that He does not reveal them, nor make them open and obvious, nor compel us to come forward into the midst, and to tell out our errors; but He bids us make our defense to Him alone, and to confess ourselves to Him. And yet among secular judges, if any tell any of the robbers or grave-diggers, when they are arrested, to tell their errors and be cleared of their punishment, they would agree to this with all readiness, despising the shame through desire of safety. But in this case there is nothing of this kind, but He remits the sins, not compelling us to organize them in array before any spectators. But one thing alone He seeks, that he who enjoys this remission should learn the greatness of the gift.
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Ps 103:11-12)
And not only is this the wonderful thing that He remits our sins, but that He does not reveal them, nor make them open and obvious, nor compel us to come forward into the midst, and to tell out our errors; but He bids us make our defense to Him alone, and to confess ourselves to Him. And yet among secular judges, if any tell any of the robbers or grave-diggers, when they are arrested, to tell their errors and be cleared of their punishment, they would agree to this with all readiness, despising the shame through desire of safety. But in this case there is nothing of this kind, but He remits the sins, not compelling us to organize them in array before any spectators. But one thing alone He seeks, that he who enjoys this remission should learn the greatness of the gift.
John Chrysostom, Second Instruction to Catechumens, 4
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