Christ Alone

Augsburg Confession Article XXV

Here’s the link to Article XXV: https://bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/of-confession-xxv/

Confession of sin was already discussed briefly in Article XI. However, here in Article XXV, the confessors go into greater detail.

Historically, Lutherans have seen great value in the practice of private confession. How does this work? If you are troubled by something you have done, you ask to meet with your pastor privately and confess. If you are bound by a sinful habit, he may offer some words of advice from scripture. The most important thing is that, after hearing your confession, he will pronounce the absolution, exercising the authority that Jesus gave to his church in Matthew 16:19 and John 20:22-23. A faithful pastor will maintain confidentiality.

How does our practice differ from Rome? The main difference is that we do not set up burdensome laws around it. Rome requires Catholics to attend confession at least once a year and usually a token act of penitence (such as saying the rosary) is required before the priest will pronounce the absolution.

In the Lutheran church, we see confession as a gospel resource. Confessing to a pastor helps to break the stronghold sin may have in your life. Further, if you are troubled in conscience, the absolution will bring great comfort.

Christ Alone

Augsburg Confession Article XI

Here is Article XI: https://bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/of-confession/

Many Protestants believe that confession is simply “between me and God” and that there is no need to confess to another person. The idea of confessing sins to a priest is often dismissed as a Roman innovation.

But Lutherans have always maintained that Private Confession should be retained in our churches. To be sure, we can confess our sins privately to God and He will forgive (1 John 1:9). Further, we often make a general confession of sins during corporate worship. Yet the scripture also urges us to “confess our sins to one another” (James 5:16).

We have many Biblical examples of this taking place. Here are a few:

  • Joseph’s brothers confess their sins to him and he forgives them (Genesis 50).
  • In Leviticus 5:5-6, certain sins were to be remedied by confession to the priest and the making of a sacrifice.
  • Numbers 5:6-7 required the Israelites to confess their sins to people they had wronged and make restitution; if that was not possible, they could confess to the priest.
  • In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan confronts David about his sins of adultery and murder. David then acknowledges his sin, and although there are consequences, Nathan announces to David that the Lord has forgiven him (2 Samuel 12:13)
  • In Matthew 3:6, we find people confessing their sins to John at the time of baptism.
  • When the paralytic is brought to Jesus, Jesus tells him “your sins are forgiven” (Matt. 9:2; Mark 2:5; Luke 5:20).

Further, we find that Jesus gave the apostles authority to declare the forgiveness of sins:

  • In Matthew 16:19, Jesus establishes the Office of the Keys and gives this authority to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (ESV)
  • Later, he gives the same authority to all of the apostles: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” (John 20:23 ESV)

So what happens when you go to confession? You make an appointment with your confessor. You confess the things that are on your mind: “I confess that I have sinned against God and my neighbor in this way…”

Luther’s Small Catechism offers some suggestions of how to make your confession: https://bookofconcord.org/small-catechism/how-christians-confess/

Your confessor should then announce the grace of God to you. Your confessor cannot forgive your sins — only God can do that. However, God’s promise through Christ is forgiveness for repentant sinners, and he has authorized his church to proclaim this truth. Therefore, your confessor can declare the word of God to you. Luther suggests the traditional formula: “by the command of our Lord Jesus Christ I forgive thee thy sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” (Source: https://bookofconcord.org/small-catechism/how-christians-confess/ ). This is a direct, effective, and personal application of the gospel. When absolution is pronounced, you can believe it!

So sure, you can confess your sins privately to God. But when your sins trouble you, the word of absolution will bring you great comfort.

Note that there is a difference between the way Lutherans and Roman Catholics have historically understood confession. In the Roman tradition, confession is required at least once a year, and should ideally include all the sins that you can remember.

In the Lutheran tradition, we see it as a gift rather than an obligation. You don’t have to wrack your brain and try to dredge up every sin you have ever committed. Admit that you are a sinner who sins in lots of ways, and then confess the specific things that are troubling you. Private confession to the pastor is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended whenever you are burdened. This can bring assurance, and it helps break the power that sin has over your life.

When you confess your sins to another Christian, the presumption is that you are sincere, and therefore, your confessor should pronounce the absolution. However, there could potentially be cases where the person confessing clearly intends to continue rebelling against God (e.g., “I’m having an ongoing affair that I don’t intend to quit… I’m going to leave my family”). In such a case, the confessor should withhold forgiveness and urge true repentance.

Technically, your confessor could be any Christian. However, there are distinct advantages to confessing to a pastor/priest — especially your own pastor. Obviously, trust is required, and some pastors have broken that trust. However, a good pastor:

  • Already prays for you and cares for your spiritual well-being.
  • Will know when to announce forgiveness and when to provide further instruction.
  • Will keep your confidence. (In some jurisdictions, priest-penitent communications are even subject to legal protections similar to that of an attorney and client).
  • Will not be shocked or judge you. He knows that people are sinners!
  • Will not bring up your past next time you see him. (Though if you have asked for advice about an ongoing struggle, he might ask how you’re doing currently).