St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Malcolm, NE
Connect with Us
  • Home
  • Who is Jesus Christ
  • Events Calendar
  • About Us
    • What We Believe >
      • About the Bible
      • About God
      • About Humankind
      • About the Law of God
      • About the Gospel of God
      • About the Church
      • About the Sacraments >
        • Baptism
        • Confession & Absolution
        • The Sacrament of the Altar
      • About Going to Church
      • Civil Government
      • About Controversial Topics
    • Lutheran Worship
    • Ministries >
      • K-6 Afterschool Midweek
      • K-12 Sunday School
      • K-6 Vacation Bible School
      • 7-8 Confirmation >
        • Confirmation Class Resources
      • 7-12 Ongoing Ambassadors For Christ
      • Ladies' Aid (LWML)
      • Men's Breakfast
      • Seniors
    • Contact
  • Archives
    • Sermon Archives
    • Bible Study Archives
    • Online Bible Studies
  • Going on Vacation?
  • Devotions
  • Events Calendar
  • Home
Picture
From Luther's "Smalcald Articles," Part 3, Article 8

1 Since absolution or the power of the keys, which was instituted by Christ in the Gospel, is a consolation and help against sin and a bad conscience, confession and absolution should by no means be allowed to fall into disuse in the church, especially for the sake of timid consciences and for the sake of untrained young people who need to be examined and instructed in Christian doctrine.
2 However, the enumeration of sins should be left free to everybody to do or not as he will. As long as we are in the flesh we shall not be untruthful if we say, “I am a poor man, full of sin. I see in my members another law,” etc. (Rom. 7:23). Although private absolution is derived from the office of the keys, it should not be neglected; on the contrary, it should be highly esteemed and valued, like all other functions of the Christian church.

The Book of Concord the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 1959 (T. G. Tappert, Ed.) (312). Philadelphia: Mühlenberg Press.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.