Confession and Absolution"Confession has two parts. The first is that we confess our sins; the second is that we receive absolution that is forgiveness from the pastor as from God Himself not doubting but firmly believing that our sins are forgiven before God in heaven." (Luther's Small Catechism)
What sins should we confess?
"Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as we do in the Lord's Prayer; but before the pastor we should confess only those sins which we know and feel in our hearts." (Luther's Small Catechism)
Which are these?
Consider your place in life according to the Ten Commandments: Are you a father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife wor worker? Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you been hot-tempered, rude or quarrelsome? Have you hurt someone by you words or deeds? Have you stolen, been negligent, wasted anything, or done any harm?" (Luther's Small Catechism)
What is private confession?
In private confession, we confess those sins only which we know and feel in our hearts. The pastor stands in God's stead when he forgives our sins.
Will the pastor look down on me when he knows what I've done?
The pastor already knows that you sin, just as he is aware of his own sins. During private confession and absolution, he is standing in the stead and by the command of Christ. He forgives your sins; and just as our sins are washed away by Christ's blood, so the pastor will wash away all memory of your confession. When can I go to confession?
Individual confession and absolution is offered regularly at Lamb of God. Please contact the pastor for times during the pastoral vacancy. |