Catechisma
Luther's Small (Kids)
55 / 72
OriginalModernizedFor Kids
Quiz Mode

Confession

Q55. What is Confession?

Confession has two parts. First, we tell God our sins. Second, we receive absolution — that means forgiveness — from the pastor, who speaks it as from God himself. We should not doubt this, but believe firmly that our sins truly are forgiven by God in heaven.

Scripture Proofs — King James Version

1

1 John 1:9

James 5:16

John 20:22–23

Parent Guide

Discuss this question together

Discussion Questions

  1. 1

    What are the two parts of Confession?

  2. 2

    Why does the catechism say the pastor speaks forgiveness "as from God himself"?

  3. 3

    Have you ever told God you were sorry for something specific and felt the weight come off?

Illustration

When you do something wrong and the guilt sits in your stomach like a rock, telling someone about it and hearing "you are forgiven" lifts that weight. In Confession, you bring your sin to God, and the pastor speaks God's own forgiveness to you. Those words are not the pastor's opinion. They carry the authority of Christ, who told his pastors to forgive sins in his name.

Application

Before bed tonight, tell God one specific thing you did wrong today. Do not be vague. Name it. Then hear Christ's promise: your sins are forgiven. If your church practices individual confession, ask your parents about going to your pastor.