The Small Catechism – part 213
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Confession of Sin
What sins should we confess?
Before God we should acknowledge ourselves guilty of all kinds of sins, even those of which we are not aware, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer. To the confessor (pastor), however, we should confess only those sins which we know and which trouble us.
Pulling It Together: We are united with the Lord, and by his grace made one spirit with him (1 Corinthians 6:17). Therefore, we should take special care not to sin, as our sins are really sins against the Lord, since we are one with him. Yet, sin we will because we exist in two realities: the natural and the spiritual. We must not fall prey to the idea that we are now completely spiritual and that we therefore, cannot sin. We can; we do. And this, the Christian, because she is spiritual, acknowledges. Knowing she is not her own anymore, that she is bought with the price of a Savior’s sacrifice, she repents and confesses, expecting the forgiveness of a loving Father.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for forgiving me all of my sins — even that one. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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