What is confession?
Confession is a rite of the Church in which a Christian confesses their sins before a minister and receives forgiveness through the confessor’s words of absolution.
What is the authority to forgive sins based on?
The authority to forgive sins is based on the words Jesus spoke to the apostles: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:22–23)
Who has the authority to forgive sins?
This authority belongs to ordained ministers (bishops and priests).
How should I prepare for a good confession?
To make a good confession, one should:
- examine one’s conscience;
- awaken true contrition;
- make a firm purpose of amendment;
- confess one’s sins;
- perform the assigned act of penance.
What is an examination of conscience?
It is an honest reflection on the sins one has committed. Sin includes not only doing evil but also failing to do the good that was possible. A guide to confession—a series of questions by which we can examine whether our thoughts, words and deeds accord with God’s will—can be a great help.
Which sins require particular attention?
Particular attention should be paid to grave sins: sins committed knowingly and willingly in a serious matter contrary to God’s commandment.
What kind of contrition is needed?
Contrition must arise from faith: we repent of our sins because through them we have offended God. Regret based only on shame or on the earthly harm caused is merely natural regret and is not sufficient before God. Without true contrition there is no forgiveness of sins.
What is a firm purpose of amendment?
It is a sincere intention:
- not to sin again;
- to avoid occasions of sin;
- to use the means necessary for amendment;
- to make amends for harm caused.
What do I do in confession?
We confess frankly to the minister the sins we have committed in thought, word and deed.
What is the seal of confession?
It is the confessor’s absolute duty to keep silent about everything heard in confession. The seal of confession may never be broken, under any circumstances.
What does it mean to perform the assigned penance?
It means saying certain prayers or performing another act of repentance assigned by the confessor, so that the penitent may bear the temporal consequences of sin and be strengthened not to sin again.
Is confession necessary for every Christian?
No one is without sin, and therefore everyone needs forgiveness. Confession is given to the Church for this purpose and is thus necessary for every Christian.
Is confession regarded as a sacrament in the Lutheran Church?
Yes. Article XIII of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession says: “Therefore Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Absolution, which is the Sacrament of Repentance, are truly sacraments. For these rites have God’s command and the promise of grace, which is peculiar to the New Testament. For when we are baptized, when we eat the Lord’s body, when we are absolved, our hearts must be firmly assured that God truly forgives us for Christ’s sake.”
How do I make my confession?
First tell the minister clearly that you wish to make your confession. When the confessor invites you to begin, you may say in your own words: “My last confession was … Humbly and repentantly I confess my sins.” Then confess in detail the sins of which you know yourself to be guilty.
When may I come to confession?
Please arrange a suitable time by contacting the parish office or a pastor.