Why We Left Lutheranism--Confession to the Pastor


© Claude A. Guild & John L. Hoh, Jr.
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Sep 7, 2001


Absolution of sins, or forgiveness of sins comes to the disciple of Luther when he confesses his sins before the pastor and receives forgiveness for the same, as though God Himself had forgiven him: "What is Confession? Answer. Confession consists of two parts: the one is, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution or forgiveness through the pastor as of God himself, in no wise doubting, but firmly believing that our sins are thus forgiven before God in heaven" (Luther's Small Catechism, p. 79).

There is no substitute with God. There is no satisfaction in confession sins before anyone, to pardon you, but God. There is one who will pardon us. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7). "There is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 2:5). John said, "My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, (not the pastor) Jesus Christ the righteous" (I John 2:1).

Friend of mine, Jesus purchased the "church of the Lord" with His blood, (Acts 20:28). I just can't be persuaded to believe, no matter how hard I try, that He meant the "Lutheran church" when He said "church of the Lord." Jesus has only one body which is His church (Ephesians 1:22). If you will read your Bible you will learn that you must believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), and be baptized (buried) into Christ, for the remission of sins (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:4; Acts 2:38). You will be added to the church of Jesus Christ, not a human institution (Acts 2:47). Just be a Christian (I Peter 4:16). To do less than this, or to join some human denomination is acting without divine authority (II John 9).

Our thanks eternally will go to Brother J.C. Bailey, Radville, Sask., an humble gospel preacher, who lead us into the church of Christ, and out of a human church (a denomination) where we had fears and endless questions in our minds. We subscribe to no creed but the Bible now and are a happy people. We are anxious to see others become just Christians and Christians only. This is our humble prayer for you.

   

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