Confession and the Lord's Supper
In a Christian community it is possible to be lonely because we are not allowed to be sinners. But, the truth is that the gospel says we are sinners and we are allowed to be sinners. God still loves us. Confession of our sins is a key part of a community of faith.
- Confession brings a breakthrough to community. Confession is between two Christians. Confession to the whole community is not required to return the sinner into the community.
- Confession brings a breakthrough to the cross. 121121 Pride is the root of all sin. Confession to another human being is the profound kind of humiliation. In confession, our old prideful self dies a bit and we are closer to our new selves.
- Confession brings a breakthrough to new life. Confession is conversion. The power of sin is broken
- Confession brings a breakthrough to assurance. The certainty of forgiveness only comes when it is spoken by another Christian. It is important to confess concrete sins, not just acknowledge that we are, in general, sinners.
Confession is not a divine law. It is not necessary to be a Christian.
To whom should we confess? Only another Christian who is under the cross can truly hear a confession.
There are two dangers to guard against
- Who hears confessions. It is not good for one person to hear confession from all the others in the community. Persons who do not confess themselves should not hear other's confessions.
- Those who confess. Confession should not be an act of piety, a duty.
Confession is particularly useful as a preparatory act for the Lord's Supper.