The Voice of God: Toward Retaining Private Absolution, Part III
“How Christians Should be Taught to Confess”
We previously heard what private absolution is: the very voice of God, the robe of righteousness, like the blood of Christ poured over the sinner (cf. Lucas Cranach in painting) covering him in the purity of the Son of God! We also heard of the necessity of repentance and faith in the life of the Christian; a life lived wholly and completely in the grace of God in Christ. Like fish swimming in the water, we live only in our baptism. Thus we have discussed the “what” and the “why” of private absolution. In this final installment, we shall hear of the “how.” It is not that Christians disagree with the doctrine behind private absolution, per se. Rather, they are unsure or even afraid of the practice; namely, going to their pastor, one-on-one, and asking for forgiveness for specific sins. Remember that for the sake of timid consciences, though, this blessed gift is retained. “This rite is to be used with baptized Christians who ‘know and feel’ their sin and who yearn for Christ’s absolution to strengthen their faith and comfort their consciences” (LSB Agenda, 39). Let us return to our baptism!
Recall the final questions concerning Holy Baptism as written in Dr Luther’s Small Catechism: “What does such baptizing with water indicate?” And, “Where is this written?” Though we are baptized once, we are instructed to daily return to that sacred gift. How is this done? It is not coincidental that immediately following these questions is the Fifth Chief Part of the Christian Faith: Confession. Immediately we are asked, “What is confession?” Answer: “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” (SC V). Notice the emphasis placed on the forgiveness of sins! It is almost taken for granted that Christians will confess their sins, but the focus is not on this, rather, it is on the voice of God heard in the absolution.
Now, all Christians already now how to confess their sins and do so often, even if they are not fully aware of it. Each time you pray the Lord’s Prayer you confess your sins; i.e. Forgive us our trespasses. When you pray this, you are pleading guilty before God of all sins, even though you do not know you committed. The Our Father continues, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Christians confess their sins to their neighbors whom they have wronged. And they absolve their neighbor of her own sin against them. Confess your sins to each other (James 5:16); Be reconciled to each other (Mt 5:24). Private absolution is for these sins, but it is particularly for those sins which we know and feel in our hearts, especially those that trouble us.
What we believe is shown in what we do. We believe the Word of Absolution to be the voice of God. This we know on the basis of the promises of Holy Scripture. Thus, Dr Luther, urging Christians to make use of this priceless treasure, offered a simple form of confession. His example has been modified and it available in LSB p292. It is printed below:
You may prepare yourself by meditating on the Ten Commandments. You may also pray the penitential psalms.
If you are not burdened with particular sins, do not trouble yourself or search for or invent other sins, thereby turning confession into a torture. Instead, mention one or two sins that you know and let that be enough.
When you are ready, kneel and say:
Pastor, please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness in order to fulfill God’s will.
Proceed.
I, a poor sinner, plead guilty before God of all sins.
I have lived as if God did not matter and as if I mattered most.
My Lord’s name I have not honored as I should;
my worship and prayers have faltered.
I have not let His love has its way with me,
and so my love for others has failed.
There are those whom I have hurt, and those whom I have failed to help.
My thoughts and desires have been soiled with sin.
(If you wish to confess specific sins that trouble you, continue as follows:
What troubles me particularly is that . . .
Confess whatever you have done against the commandments of God, according to your
own place in life.
The pastor may gently question or instruct you – not to pry or judge – by to assist in self-
examination.)
Then conclude by saying:
I am sorry for all of this and ask for grace. I want to do better.
God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith.
Amen.
Do you believe that my forgiveness is God’s forgiveness?
Yes.
Let it be done for you as you believe.
The pastor places his hands [and stole] on the head of the penitent and says:
In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The pastor may speak additional Scripture passages to comfort and strengthen the faith of those who have great burdens of conscience or are sorrowful and distressed.
The pastor concludes:
Go in peace.
Amen.
You may remain to say a prayer of thanksgiving. Psalms 30, 31, 32, 34, 103, or 118 are also appropriate.
All of this is done in the sanctuary, at the communion rail. Pastor is vested. He does not face you, rather he sits parallel to the rail so that you see his ear – the grave in which your sin goes to die – and more, you see the Altar – that symbol of the abiding presence of Christ and from which you receive His Body and Blood. Over pastor’s left shoulder is the crucifix, that great icon of Christ’s victory over sin and death, in which you share by repentance and faith.
Note the emphasis on the Gospel nature of private absolution – for we call a thing what it is by this Gospel character. This is individual, specific, particular forgiveness! It is not torture. It is not an interrogation. It is holy gift from God above through the mouth of His servant for your sake. It is the pouring out of His splendid Gospel. It is freedom of plague of conscience. It is healing balm for your wounded soul. It is the peace of Christ; peace that surpasses all understanding, peace that guards your heart and mind. And it is all gift! All free!
Your unworthy servant,
Pastor Mierow
Commemoration of Gregory the Great
Picture: Weimar Altar Piece by Lucas Cranach
Nota Bene: As the precious joy of private absolution is retained in the churches of the Lutheran Confessions, it is our desire not simply to talk about this gift, but to offer it. Therefore, beginning in October, private absolution will be available every first Wednesday of the month, beginning at 6p. No appointment is needed. Pastor will be vested and prepared. One simply need arrive, prepare him/herself and come forward to the communion rail when ready.
“How Christians Should be Taught to Confess”
We previously heard what private absolution is: the very voice of God, the robe of righteousness, like the blood of Christ poured over the sinner (cf. Lucas Cranach in painting) covering him in the purity of the Son of God! We also heard of the necessity of repentance and faith in the life of the Christian; a life lived wholly and completely in the grace of God in Christ. Like fish swimming in the water, we live only in our baptism. Thus we have discussed the “what” and the “why” of private absolution. In this final installment, we shall hear of the “how.” It is not that Christians disagree with the doctrine behind private absolution, per se. Rather, they are unsure or even afraid of the practice; namely, going to their pastor, one-on-one, and asking for forgiveness for specific sins. Remember that for the sake of timid consciences, though, this blessed gift is retained. “This rite is to be used with baptized Christians who ‘know and feel’ their sin and who yearn for Christ’s absolution to strengthen their faith and comfort their consciences” (LSB Agenda, 39). Let us return to our baptism!
Recall the final questions concerning Holy Baptism as written in Dr Luther’s Small Catechism: “What does such baptizing with water indicate?” And, “Where is this written?” Though we are baptized once, we are instructed to daily return to that sacred gift. How is this done? It is not coincidental that immediately following these questions is the Fifth Chief Part of the Christian Faith: Confession. Immediately we are asked, “What is confession?” Answer: “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” (SC V). Notice the emphasis placed on the forgiveness of sins! It is almost taken for granted that Christians will confess their sins, but the focus is not on this, rather, it is on the voice of God heard in the absolution.
Now, all Christians already now how to confess their sins and do so often, even if they are not fully aware of it. Each time you pray the Lord’s Prayer you confess your sins; i.e. Forgive us our trespasses. When you pray this, you are pleading guilty before God of all sins, even though you do not know you committed. The Our Father continues, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Christians confess their sins to their neighbors whom they have wronged. And they absolve their neighbor of her own sin against them. Confess your sins to each other (James 5:16); Be reconciled to each other (Mt 5:24). Private absolution is for these sins, but it is particularly for those sins which we know and feel in our hearts, especially those that trouble us.
What we believe is shown in what we do. We believe the Word of Absolution to be the voice of God. This we know on the basis of the promises of Holy Scripture. Thus, Dr Luther, urging Christians to make use of this priceless treasure, offered a simple form of confession. His example has been modified and it available in LSB p292. It is printed below:
You may prepare yourself by meditating on the Ten Commandments. You may also pray the penitential psalms.
If you are not burdened with particular sins, do not trouble yourself or search for or invent other sins, thereby turning confession into a torture. Instead, mention one or two sins that you know and let that be enough.
When you are ready, kneel and say:
Pastor, please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness in order to fulfill God’s will.
Proceed.
I, a poor sinner, plead guilty before God of all sins.
I have lived as if God did not matter and as if I mattered most.
My Lord’s name I have not honored as I should;
my worship and prayers have faltered.
I have not let His love has its way with me,
and so my love for others has failed.
There are those whom I have hurt, and those whom I have failed to help.
My thoughts and desires have been soiled with sin.
(If you wish to confess specific sins that trouble you, continue as follows:
What troubles me particularly is that . . .
Confess whatever you have done against the commandments of God, according to your
own place in life.
The pastor may gently question or instruct you – not to pry or judge – by to assist in self-
examination.)
Then conclude by saying:
I am sorry for all of this and ask for grace. I want to do better.
God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith.
Amen.
Do you believe that my forgiveness is God’s forgiveness?
Yes.
Let it be done for you as you believe.
The pastor places his hands [and stole] on the head of the penitent and says:
In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The pastor may speak additional Scripture passages to comfort and strengthen the faith of those who have great burdens of conscience or are sorrowful and distressed.
The pastor concludes:
Go in peace.
Amen.
You may remain to say a prayer of thanksgiving. Psalms 30, 31, 32, 34, 103, or 118 are also appropriate.
All of this is done in the sanctuary, at the communion rail. Pastor is vested. He does not face you, rather he sits parallel to the rail so that you see his ear – the grave in which your sin goes to die – and more, you see the Altar – that symbol of the abiding presence of Christ and from which you receive His Body and Blood. Over pastor’s left shoulder is the crucifix, that great icon of Christ’s victory over sin and death, in which you share by repentance and faith.
Note the emphasis on the Gospel nature of private absolution – for we call a thing what it is by this Gospel character. This is individual, specific, particular forgiveness! It is not torture. It is not an interrogation. It is holy gift from God above through the mouth of His servant for your sake. It is the pouring out of His splendid Gospel. It is freedom of plague of conscience. It is healing balm for your wounded soul. It is the peace of Christ; peace that surpasses all understanding, peace that guards your heart and mind. And it is all gift! All free!
Your unworthy servant,
Pastor Mierow
Commemoration of Gregory the Great
Picture: Weimar Altar Piece by Lucas Cranach
Nota Bene: As the precious joy of private absolution is retained in the churches of the Lutheran Confessions, it is our desire not simply to talk about this gift, but to offer it. Therefore, beginning in October, private absolution will be available every first Wednesday of the month, beginning at 6p. No appointment is needed. Pastor will be vested and prepared. One simply need arrive, prepare him/herself and come forward to the communion rail when ready.
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