Posted on 07/18/2016 11:06:37 AM PDT by Gamecock
Absolution—that is, the declaration that your sins are forgiven in Jesus Christ—has fallen on hard times. In many churches, you will never hear the words: “Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace!” This is a sad fact, because the grace that God has shown us in and through the work of his son, Jesus, is the best news the church has to offer a broken, rebellious, and sinful world.
In an effort to recover forgiveness in our churches, here are five things you need to hear about forgiveness. For all of you who trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation, here are five things that God promises and says to you right now:
I will remember your sin no more. (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12)
If you confess your sins, I am faithful and just to forgive you of them and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
My grace is a gift; this is not something you can earn or have earned. So, take it! There is no cost to you; the cost was to my son. (Romans 3:24–26)
Although your sins are like scarlet, they are now as white as snow; though they were red as crimson, they are now like wool to me. I forgive you. (Isaiah 1:18)
If you are in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone. You are no longer who you were. You are not defined by all of those things you once did. You are now defined by what Christ has done for you. The new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I will not join a church if I don’t hear that I am absolved of my sins.
Nor should you.
“When the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: “I admit that I deserve death and hell. So what? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is, there I shall be also!” - Martin Luther
#1 REPENT.
Never said it does, now did I?
Every Sunday here, assurance of pardon announced from the pulpit after the congregational confession of sin.
Yup. Same here.
The assurance of forgiveness from God’s Word.
Wonderful truths for the believer.
There is only ONE true ‘Church’, one true Ekklesia. Membership is hallmarked by Grace toward sinners like me and you. I joined that Church decades ago. Perhaps THAT is the church to which Gamecock calls our attention ...
Perhaps he does draw attention to the Ekklesia in and of which you and I are long-time 'members' -- but, his way of "drawing attention to" it likely is not one that you or I would use...
For one thing, it is our absolution by Grace that makes us members; we didn't overtly "join" anything; membership is a "perk" (if you will) or fundamental outcome of our belief in and acceptance of God's Grace in Jesus Christ -- which, of course, is the sole path of access to absolution...
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Gamecock, apologies for "talking as if you aren't here" and "putting words in your mouth"! Please speak up and clarify for us, if you will...
Your OP was right on; it was just the verb forms in your #2 that made it unclear whether you share the blessings of being in the Ekklesia with the rest of us who place our trust in Christ...
I'll say this, though: if it was your intent to make us think -- mission accomplished! :-)
I used to move every 2 years. Absolution was a must when looking for a church home.
I have found a church that does so here in SC.
In my stable life here among the pine trees, I had forgotten that younger folks tend to be more mobile. Now your statement makes better sense!
Thank you, my FRiend!
And you will hear that in the Catholic Church.
LOL, couldn’t reasist could you! The absolution in your religion is doled out by a priest. Sorry, ONLY God can absolve you of your offenses to His righteousness. You’ve hit upon one of the most fundamental differences between Christianity and the religion called Catholicism.
The formula of absolution used in the Latin Church expresses the essential elements of this sacrament: The Father of mercies is the source of all forgiveness. He effects the reconciliation of sinners through the Passover of his Son and the gift of his Spirit, through the prayer and ministry of the Church:
God, the Father of mercies, through the death and the resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
**I had forgotten that younger folks tend to be more mobile.**
Well, I’m 57.
We military folks tend to lead a pretty nomadic life as well!
What good is hearing that in the RC church?
I have seen RCs post countless times, right here on FR, that assuming one is saved is presumptuous!
What good is absolution if the priest’s fingers are crossed?
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