Your Sins Are Forgiven

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

                                                (1 John 1:8-10 KJV)

We are all sinners. There is no getting around that fact. When the guilt lays heavy upon our hearts it behooves us to turn to the LORD, confess our sins, and receive the forgiveness that God has so freely bestowed upon us through our Saviour, Jesus the Christ.

As Lutherans, we are taught that we should daily confess our sins before God. However; sometimes, the guilt lays so heavy on our hearts and minds that it is difficult for us to forgive ourselves. We know that we are not worthy of forgiveness. We don't want to be the one's responsible for the spilling of the blood of Jesus. No one, we might think, should have to die for our sins. But, he did. It is done. It is finished. He loves you that much. You are forgiven.

As a pastor, I was often asked if I hear confessions. Of course! There are some who think that their confessions should be private and only between them and God. No one else needs to hear about our sins. Confession, with your pastor remains private, always. (If it is not - find a new confessor) Private confession is not necessary to receive forgiveness. Confessing directly to God is more than sufficient. However; sometimes, it is necessary, when our guilt seems to overwhelm us and we are unable to forgive ourselves, to be able to speak aloud our sins and hear the declaration that God forgives you. For the sake of His Son, Jesus the Christ, you are forgiven. 

There is no shame in confessing our sins. There is only freedom and peace received in the reconciling Word of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J