I know I have written in the past about confession and absolution, but that is what today's article is about. Actually, today's article is really about two things. One is confession and absolution, and the other is the means of grace. That is, the tools (means) that the Spirit works through in the giving and strengthening of faith. These tools are baptism, communion and the Scriptures.
Confession and absolution is a great blessing that God has given to the church. It is something that requires a lot of trust. It is something that cannot be forced upon someone against their will. But when the situation is right, and confession and absolution take place as it was intended, it is a wonderful, beautiful and awesome thing.
We see this in two forms. One is as part of the corporate worship service. This is usually at the beginning of a service that has communion. The congregation confesses their sins together and the pastor speaks words of forgiveness. This is a power event, and one that we must be careful to not take for granted. Because God's forgiveness is real and true and certain. His forgiveness is poured out in this event (not based on any of the people involved, but based on God's graciousness and goodness). It is certainly good.
There is another form, that while it is no more powerful, I would say it is more of an experience, and that is private confession and absolution. This is where a Christian finds another trusted Christian, usually a pastor, and confesses their sins to that individual, and then that person speaks the words of God's forgiveness. There is something about this practice that words cannot describe. It is truly awesome. If you have not participated in this; give it a try. It is well worth it.
The other point that this article makes is that God has chosen to work in word and sacrament in our lives. God works through things. Not because they limit God, but because that is how God has chosen to work. In God's working through these things there is, for us, certainty. Because when God does something, it is always done right and correctly. The working of God is not dependant on us, on our words, on our good deeds, on our status, or on anything else that would depend on us. Rather it is on God alone. And so in that we rejoice.
I pray that this week you would know the joy of God's presence in your life. And may that be a blessing to you.
Sincerely,
Pastor CJ
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