God has given a precious gift of life and forgiveness through Jesus. The Bible teaches (Ephesians 1:8): “In Christ we are made free by His blood sacrifice. We have forgiveness of sins because of God’s rich grace.” The Bible also teaches (1 John 1:8-9): “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Within our weekly worship service there is usually an opportunity to confess our sins before God, and to hear His Word of forgiveness in Christ. However, there may be times when a person’s heart is so troubled they may like an opportunity to speak further on something. A person may make Confession to another Christian, and hear the message of Christ’s forgiveness through them. But you may also wish to speak with Pastor to make this Confession.
Our Catechism teaches: “Confession has two parts. First that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.” Upon hearing a penitent Confession, Pastor may pronounce Christ’s forgiveness in an appropriate and personal way. Pastor is required by his Ordination Vows to keep confidential what is spoken in a ‘Private Confession’ that is conducted according to the Rites of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
Please contact Pastor is you wish to make a time for ‘Private Confession’.
