A Case for Private Confession - Article XI of the Augsburg Confession

The Manna Podcast

“Why private confession? Why do you need a middleman to tell you that your sins are forgiven?”

In a world where faith is privatized and being “spiritual, but not religious” sounds incredibly liberating, we’re tempted to bristle at any possible benefit of confessing our sins – be it to a pastor or a fellow Christian.

But this isn’t progressive spiritual thinking; it’s regressive.

There isn’t a guarantee that “Christ for you” is going to be heard at your job, your school, within your family, or even within your own heart.

What you’re more likely to consistently hear is:

· You’re a screw up.

· You’re not good enough

· You’ve burned too many bridges.

· You’re worthless.

· You’re a nobody.

· You’re an irredeemable, unsalvageable mess.

· You’re unforgiveable.

It doesn't take much living to discover such privatization of our spiritual lives isn’t comforting: it actually robs people of joy and comfort the good news of Jesus gives – because we’ve anchored the promises of God in how we’re doing or how we feel.

Thankfully, who you are in the sight of God on account of Christ isn’t contingent on how you feel – and God works through his Church to assure you of that tangibly.