1] Of Confession they teach that Private Absolution ought to be retained in the churches, although in confession 2] an enumeration of all sins is not necessary. For it is impossible according to the Psalm: Who can understand his errors? Psalm 19, 12.
In this article Lutherans do not deny the value of the confession of sins. Lutherans have a corporate confession of sins in the service as we start our worship.
The difference with Rome is that the Lutheran confessors do not see private absolution as mandatory. The abuses were regular in the church (and seem to be the subject of jokes today). Definitely private absolution is of great benefit for those who are burdened by sin.
[carvedonhands.gif]1] Of Repentance they teach that for those who have fallen after Baptism there is remission of sins whenever they are converted 2] and that the Church ought to impart absolution to those thus returning to repentance. Now, repentance consists properly of these 3] two parts: One is contrition, that is, 4] terrors smiting the conscience through the knowledge of sin; the other is faith, which is born of 5] the Gospel, or of absolution, and believes that for Christ's sake, sins are forgiven, comforts 6] the conscience, and delivers it from terrors. Then good works are bound to follow, which are the fruits of repentance.
7] They condemn the Anabaptists, who deny that those once justified can lose the Holy Ghost. Also those who contend that some may attain to such 8] perfection in this life that they cannot sin.
9] The Novatians also are condemned, who would not absolve such as had fallen after Baptism, though they returned to repentance.
10] They also are rejected who do not teach that remission of sins comes through faith but command us to merit grace through satisfactions of our own.
What is repentance? How many times must we forgive each other?
Peter once asked Jesus if forgiving someone seven times was enough. Jesus responded with "seven sevens." 49 times? 490 times? Well, don’t keep count is what Jesus says.
Unfortunately there are many that see the label "Christian" and expect certain behavior. If they don’t see it, they apply the label "hypocrite." Again, this goes back to the fruits of faith discussed last week. And though we try, we do fall. But that doesn’t mean God turns his back to us. He remains with us, ready to pick us up, dust us off, and continue the journey with us.
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