"Confession consists of two parts. One is that we confess our sins. The other is that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness from the pastor as from God himself and by no means doubt but firmly believe that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven."
Luther's words about confession and forgiveness in the Catechism do not typically receive the same attention as the other parts of the Catechism. I'm not sure why that is. We often open our worship services with words of confession and forgiveness, reflecting Luther's understanding. Together, we confess our sin. Together we receive absolution, the good news of God's forgiveness in Christ. We also may confess things that lie heavy on our heart to a trusted pastor or friend. We need to hear absolution then as well, knowing that God forgives our troubled past. The devotion suggests that should someone choose us as their confessor, "you are called to speak on God's behalf and give them divine forgiveness." Even I, as a pastor, probably do not do that as directly as I should. People need to hear that good news. "You are forgiven, for Jesus' sake." When the occasion arises to speak these words of grace may we be moved to do so.
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