The Small Catechism – part 212
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 6:11
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Confession of Sin
What sins should we confess?
Before God we should acknowledge ourselves guilty of all kinds of sins, even those of which we are not aware, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer. To the confessor (pastor), however, we should confess only those sins which we know and which trouble us.
Pulling It Together: Like Joseph’s brothers, we must confess, “In truth we are guilty” (Genesis 42:21). Ours may seem to us lesser or greater crimes. No matter. We are guilty. We are guilty of “all kinds of sins” — even sins “of which we are not aware.” Like Luther once did, we could spend hours each day, confessing the assorted sins we commit. So, which of these many sins should we confess?
We may confess our sins to God, repent, and be done with the matter. However, some sins plague us, as their sin against Joseph dogged his brothers. Confess such sins and hear the Lord’s forgiveness announced through your pastor or confessor. Each of us needs to do this, for each of us has been unrighteous, and the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). But Christians are now in his kingdom where we acknowledge our sins, confess them, and firmly believe God forgives, and furthermore, makes repentant sinners righteous.
Prayer: Forgive me my trespasses, Lord. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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