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Self-Esteem, Lutheran Style

© John L. Hoh, Jr.

There is a movement among society at large, and even among some in Christian circles, about self esteem. Often this debate comes down to whether we should call ourselves—or anyone else—sinners. The thinking is that is breaks down self esteem and people go away with a low self image.

Nothing can be further from the truth, especially if we view the Confession and Absolution in the Lutheran order of service.

Lutherans are well aware of this Confession and Absolution. It comes very early in the service—soon after the pastor starts the service with a greeting from God and then invites us to confess our sins.

At this point, let me explain confession. This is a corporate confession of the assembled believers. These believers believe that they are sinful—doing things they shouldn't, neglecting to do the things they should, and even doing wrong without knowing a sin is being committed. We are not talking about personal confession here—although it is just as valid and right and needs the absolution just as much.

After the congregation collectively confesses its sins, the pastor pronounces the absolution. Does it matter if everyone is truly penitent? Does it matter if some just "mouth the words" and don't truly believe? No, for God's grace is still at work. God’s Holy Spirit still works in hearts even as the Word is being proclaimed. This is akin to Objective Justification—that doctrine that states that Christ died for the sins of the whole world. (Subjective Justification refers to when a Christian, through the power of the Holy Spirit, takes those promises of forgiveness as his or her very own.)

Confession is essential because we need to acknowledge who we are—sinners before God. Every person assembled confesses that fact—whether that person is an elder of the church, the pastor, the righteous, the addicts, the prostitutes, the sinners. All have equal footing in God's eyes. Makes one almost echo the disciples question when Jesus stated that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven: "Who, then, can be saved?"

The answer is we all can be saved. We are saved through the blood of Christ. We are spared death because Jesus himself died in our place.

Absolution is therefore as essential to Christian self-esteem as Confession. For in the Absolution we are reassured by God, through His Word, that our sins are forgiven. Been a little cross or short-tempered this past week? Covered by the blood of Christ. Suffer a relapse in your recovery? Again, you are made new in Christ’s atonement. Depressed and feeling that no one loves you? God loves you and proves it by weekly declaring your sins as far from you as the east is from the west. Feeling "dirty" by your deeds? As God spoke through Isaiah, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."