John Trapp on John 20:23

Verſe 23. Whoſoevers ſins ye remit, &c.] Remiſſion of ſin is the chief benefit of the Goſpel: And for the Creed (which is the ſum of the Goſpel) All the former Articles are perfected in that of Remiſſion of ſins: and all the following Articles are effects of it. Rhem. Teſt. Now none can remit ſins, but God; to ſpeak properly: Papiſts tell us of one that could remove mountains: but to remit ſins is peculiar to God alone. Man may remit the treſpaſſe, but God only the tranſgreſſion. Howbeit Miniſters may, and in ſome caſes muſt declare unto man his righteouſneſſe; Job 33.23. pronounce in Chriſts name, the truly penitent righteous in Gods ſight, by Chriſts righteouſneſſe freely imputed, and given unto them. They muſt alſo retain, by the ſame authority, and binde upon impenitent ſinners (ſo continuing) their ſins to deſtruction, 2 Cor 10.6. Having in a readineſſe to revenge all diſobedience. This we may doe, as Miniſters, and more we claim not.