Confession and Absolution - Week 4 (Monday Morning Devotions)
As we dive into the New Year, as well as prepare for the season of Lent, Pastor Ricky Jacob leads us through a devotion series on Confession and Absolution.
Need to start at week 1: Read it here
Today I would like to teach you about 'confession' from a biblical perspective.
Dr. Martin Luther explained 'confession' in this way:
Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.
The forgiveness of sin is as simple as confessing and receiving. Both parts are essential. I don't know which one is more difficult.
A Little Too Personal -- Heather Culli
A third-grade teacher asked her class to put on sticky notes all the sins or wrongs that people did and then place them on a mural that was taped to the wall. Her students relished the opportunity to list all the 'bad stuff' that people do. They used the various colored markers and spelled out 'lying, cheating, being disrespectful, hitting, making fun of someone else, stealing, swearing, bullying. The students were then asked to sit down. [Devotions on the Small Catechism - p. 109]
Each student was then asked: 'think back on your day so far. Which of these sins have you committed today: Write each one on a sticky note and leave them on your desk until tomorrow.'
The lesson hit a snag. There was no mad rush to fill the paper this time. Many sat in disbelief, while others flatly refused to follow out the instructions. Even those who had begun writing sat hunched over, hiding their work with arms, hands, and torsos. One outspoken student shook her head and said, "This is just a little too personal."
It is quite easy to know the difference between right and wrong, actually, God's Word states that the Law is written on our hearts. It is quite different to admit to our own failures to do what is right. In the first part, confession is quite personal, but it is necessary.
The apostle John wrote:
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(1st John 1:8-9).
The second part, accepting that one's sin is forgiven, is just as necessary. When one goes to a pastor and confesses his or her sin then the pastor, who has been called by God, announces the Good News of God's mercy. The pastor pronounces that for Jesus' sake the confessor is forgiven! It does not get any better than that.
Note well: that God is the faithful and just one who cleanses the sinner from all unrighteousness!