Absolution

The forgiveness of our sins in the name of Jesus.
(via Lutheran Basics for Teachers)

1 John 1:8-9

⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Sin Boldy

If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong (or “Sin boldly”), but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2 Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign. It suffices that through God’s glory we have recognized the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. No sin can separate us from Him, even if we were to kill or commit adultery thousands of times each day. Do you think such an exalted Lamb paid merely a small price with a meager sacrifice for our sins? Pray hard for you are quite a sinner.

– Martin Luther, Writing to his friend Philip Melanchthon (1521)                                                                                                   

Reflection & Prayer

Each Sunday when we gather for worship, we confess our sins using words like the passage from 1 John. What we confess together as a congregation weekly, we can also confess as individuals each day. Honestly confessing the ways you have fallen short brings into clarity the reality of the forgiveness that we have been given.