Confession and Absolution - Week 7 (Monday Morning Devotions)
As we dive into the New Year, as well as prepare for the season of Lent, Pastor Ricky Jacob leads us through a devotion series on Confession and Absolution.
Need to start at week 1: Read it here
Once again we begin with a Word of God. This time Jesus has just risen from the dead on Easter morning. That evening Jesus goes to the disciples and finds them behind locked doors. This does not stop Jesus - he stands among them.
(Again) Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:21–23)
Last week, I referred to this blessed position of authority given by Jesus to His church as the Office of the Keys - the keys to heaven.
Dr. Martin Luther wrote these words regarding the Office of the Keys:
I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.
Dr. Martin Luther went on to write:
The key which binds is the power or office to punish the sinner who refuses to repent by means of a public condemnation to eternal death and separation from the rest of Christendom. And when such a judgment is pronounced, it is a judgment of Christ himself. And if the sinner perseveres in his sin, he is certainly eternally damned. the loosening key is the power or office to absolve the sinner who makes confession and is covered from sins, promising again eternal life. And it has the same significance as if Christ himself passed judgment. and if he believes and continues in this faith he is certainly saved forever. For the key which binds carries forward the work of the law. It is profitable to the sinner inasmuch as it reveals to him his sins, admonishes him to fear God, cause him to tremble, and moves him to repentance, and not to destruction. The loosening key carries forward the work of the gospel. It invites to grace and mercy. It comforts and promises life and salvation through the forgiveness of sins.
In short, the two keys advance and foster the gospel by simply proclaiming these two things: repentance and forgiveness of sins [Luke 24:47] , (AE: 40:372-73) (Devotions on the Small Catechism - pp. 114-115)
Please pray with me: Father, You know my sin and my need for forgiveness. Give me comfort in the Keys that Jesus has given to His Church. Bring me always to repentance, to joyful faith, and to the forgiveness of all my sins. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Devotions on the Small Catechism - p. 115)