Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 14, Number 41, DeMotte, Jasper County, 25 August 1944 — THE PASTOR’S COLUMN [ARTICLE]

THE PASTOR’S COLUMN

by REV. GEO. GOTSCH

Pastor of the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Union Township

The second half of the Fifth Chief Part of the Catechism treats of Confession. The form and order of confession as we practice it, is not prescribed in the Bible. It is a custom or rite of the Lutheran Church, just as confirmation is a custom or rite. However, that which is done in confession is indeed an injunction of the Lord Jesus Himself. It is based on the Office of the Keys, on the Power of the Word, on the Power to forgive or retain sins. “Confession embraces two parts. One is that we confess our sins, the other that we receive absolution or forgiveness from the pastor as from God Himseif, and in no wise doubt, but firmly believe that by it our sins are forgiven before God. in heaven.” John says, “If we say, we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8.9). We have the General Confession in every Sunday morning service in which the speaks the confession and the pastor then pronounces the absolution. We have another form of confession in the preparatory service before we partake of the Lord’s Supper. And we have private confession in which a member has the priviledge to come to the pastor in private, confess the sins which are especially burdening his heart and receive forgiveness for just such sins. No one is forced or even urged to come to private confession, but it is very comforting and assuring to receive forgiveness for something that especially is burdening us. Sunday School at 10:00, service at 10:45 a.m.