The Small Catechism – part 209
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 3:18
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Confession of Sin
What is Confession?
Confession consists of two parts. One is that we confess our sins and the other is that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the confessor as from God himself, in no way doubting, but firmly believing that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.
Pulling It Together: Sometimes we think that if we try harder and work smarter, we will become good people. Then, a new day dawns and we discover we are still sinners. So, we read the Bible more, go to church every Lord’s Day, maybe even start attending a Bible study, give to missions, and donate to the food pantry, hoping our religious devotion will make us better. Somewhere in these efforts, we discern that our sinful nature is exceptionally persistent (Romans 7:15).
God forbid we should stop reading the Bible or giving to the poor, but the things we do are not means of grace. And grace is precisely what sinners need. So, it remains to us to do good but depend upon God. This means confessing our sins and confidently believing God forgives us for Christ’s sake — not because of the good deeds we perform.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for forgiving me of all my sins. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
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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