Concerning Repentance – part 17
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 16:19
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
V. That the power of the keys is beneficial for the forgiveness of sins before the Church, but not before God.
Pulling It Together
The power of the keys binds things in heaven, not just on earth. When a “door” is unlocked or locked on earth in the name of Christ, it is done in heaven too. Whatever is bound or locked on earth is also bound or locked in heaven. This happens because it is not by the authority of the pastor that absolution or the forgiveness of sins is conferred. The Church is not the authority here either. If we think of absolution as something bestowed by the Church, there will be no end of confusion. Lutherans confess that the pastor and the Church absolve sin under the authority of Christ. It is God’s voice you hear when your pastor pronounces absolution. Your pastor is speaking with God’s authority and by his command. And so, it is bound on earth — and in heaven.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for locking the gates of hell. Amen
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Author
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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