Apology of the Augsburg Confession: Article 11. Confession

The Reformers retained private confession & absolution. Although they kept confession, they did not agree that a confessor needs to have a prescribed number per year or attempt to confess all sins. The focus of confession was not to make sure the form was done perfectly, but the faith of the heart that trusts the full sufficiency of the cross for their forgiveness. The Lord has given the office of the keys to the Church and calls pastors to exercise this gift for the sake of a clear conscience to the hearers. “I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all and frees us, from the accursed load. I bring my guilt to Jesus, to wash my crimson stains. Clean in His blood most precious, til not a spot remains.” LSB #606, st. 1

Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the Scriptural truth on Confession.

Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.