Confession
Q58. How does the pastor assure someone of forgiveness?
He says: "By the authority of Christ, I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
John 20:23
Matthew 18:18
2 Corinthians 2:10
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What words does the pastor use to forgive sins?
- 2
Whose authority stands behind those words?
- 3
Why does the catechism say we should not doubt this forgiveness?
Illustration
When an ambassador speaks, he does not speak for himself. He speaks for the country that sent him. The pastor speaks absolution the same way. He is not forgiving you out of his own goodness. He is delivering Christ's forgiveness with Christ's authority. When you hear "I forgive you your sins," Christ himself is speaking through the pastor.
Application
The next time you hear the words of absolution in church, receive them as coming from Christ. Do not brush past them. Let them land. If doubts creep in later, remember that the forgiveness does not depend on your feelings. It depends on Christ's promise.