How do you confess your sins?

[Tezza]

Hi Teri,

Thanks for adopting such a friendly tone.

I’m thinking about the difference between confession in its sacramental form and confession that is completely internal. The latter is relatively easy, so it seems to me. What would likely fill most people with dismay about the sacramental form of confession is that “somebody else will know what I want nobody to know.”

If it’s not too great a thing to ask, I’d like to invite you to comment on how ashamed you feel when you admit your sins and go into detail about them in the presence of another human being. This, of course, is the big obstacle. We Evangelicals have no mechanism for arriving at that state of reality. We can only try to work up vague feelings of regret. I’ve come to the conclusion that the lack of the sacramental form of confession is one of the reasons why my growth as a Christian has come to a halt and that I must leave Evangelical Christianity behind.

Ecumenically,
Mick

Thanks, Mick, for asking.

I can’t speak for everyone as I’m sure we have unique experiences. I can say that I love Jesus dearly so any sin against him causes my heart to break. When I go to confession, I am almost always in tears because I know I am speaking to the priest who is acting in the persona Christi. It’s as if I am sitting with Jesus talking to him about how I have failed to live my call as a Christian.

Of course, this shame is different than feeling ashamed that I did something embarassing that I have to admit to someone. I have grown in my faith journey, moving from feeling ashamed of admitting wrongdoing to feel shame for hurting Jesus. I choose to go face to face and not behind the screen because I find the sacrament so healing and the priest such an instrument of healing. That is not to say I’m completely over feeling embarassed, nor do I think I will ever be. It has helped keep me from repeating some sins knowing I would need to confess them, along with not wanting to offend my Lord. It’s a win-win And I always get nervous, even after many years. I just remind myself that the priest is God’s instrument, that he’s heard everything under the sun, and that he’s glad I’m there to reconcile myself with God as opposed to want to judge me.

The sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the sacraments of healing. I think God knew what he was doing in requiring us to confess our sins out loud. There is nothing like that weight being lifted as the mercy of God’s forgiveness echoes in the words of the priest, “I absolve you of your sins. Go in peace.”

Just a few concluding thoughts so as not to be too lengthy (too late?) I have become much more humble, less judgmental, and have overcome some serious, habitual sin in my life because of living a sacramental life that includes Reconciliation and the Eucharist. I am so grateful for the work God has done in me.

I hope this helps. I will pray for you on your journey.

Peace in Christ,
Teri

 

[SSTeacher]

SSTeacher;5109596:

Hi Teri,

Thanks for adopting such a friendly tone.

I’m thinking about the difference between confession in its sacramental form and confession that is completely internal. The latter is relatively easy, so it seems to me. What would likely fill most people with dismay about the sacramental form of confession is that “somebody else will know what I want nobody to know.”

If it’s not too great a thing to ask, I’d like to invite you to comment on how ashamed

you feel when you admit your sins and go into detail about them in the presence of another human being. This, of course, is the big obstacle. We Evangelicals have no mechanism for arriving at that state of reality. We can only try to work up vague feelings of regret. I’ve come to the conclusion that the lack of the sacramental form of confession is one of the reasons why my growth as a Christian has come to a halt and that I must leave Evangelical Christianity behind.

Ecumenically,
Mick
:thumbsup:Thanks, Mick, for asking.

I can’t speak for everyone as I’m sure we have unique experiences. I can say that I love Jesus dearly so any sin against him causes my heart to break. When I go to confession, I am almost always in tears because I know I am speaking to the priest who is acting in the persona Christi. It’s as if I am sitting with Jesus talking to him about how I have failed to live my call as a Christian.

That’s beautiful.

Of course, this shame is different than feeling ashamed that I did something embarrassing that I have to admit to someone. I have grown in my faith journey, moving from feeling ashamed of admitting wrongdoing to feel shame for hurting Jesus. I choose to go face to face and not behind the screen because I find the sacrament so healing and the priest such an instrument of healing. That is not to say I’m completely over feeling embarrassed, nor do I think I will ever be.

The idea of confession as a means of healing is the correct one, I feel sure. I suppose if you ever got over feeling embarrassed about your wrongdoing you’d have gone backward as a Christian and somehow seared your conscience.

It has helped keep me from repeating some sins knowing I would need to confess them, along with not wanting to offend my Lord. It’s a win-win And I always get nervous, even after many years. I just remind myself that the priest is God’s instrument, that he’s heard everything under the sun, and that he’s glad I’m there to reconcile myself with God as opposed to want to judge me.

The sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the sacraments of healing. I think God knew what he was doing in requiring us to confess our sins out loud. There is nothing like that weight being lifted as the mercy of God’s forgiveness echoes in the words of the priest, “I absolve you of your sins. Go in peace.”

Absolutely. I think the Reformers made a huge mistake in throwing out the sacrament of confession.

Just a few concluding thoughts so as not to be too lengthy (too late?) I have become much more humble, less judgmental, and have overcome some serious, habitual sin in my life because of living a sacramental life that includes Reconciliation and the Eucharist. I am so grateful for the work God has done in me. I hope this helps.

Peace in Christ,
Teri

Teri,

I’ve found your words hugely helpful and very encouraging. Thanks for taking the time to compose such a forthright post. I don’t know any Evangelical who could possibly think in the way you think. One of the flaws in the idea of salvation as something already attained (as you are doubtless aware, most Evangelicals believe they are already saved) is that it naturally prompts one to think less about one’s own sins. That’s why it comes naturally to Evangelicals to focus on the sins of others. Abortion, gay marriage and sex before marriage seem to emerge as the favorites. After a while, an extremely judgmental attitude becomes a way of life. I’ve found it a frustrating and disappointing way to live.

I will pray for you on your journey.

Thank you so much for your prayers.

Sincerely,
Mick

 

[Tezza]

Teri,

I’ve found your words hugely helpful and very encouraging. Thanks for taking the time to compose such a forthright post. I don’t know any Evangelical who could possibly think in the way you think. One of the flaws in the idea of salvation as something already attained (as you are doubtless aware, most Evangelicals believe they are already saved) is that it naturally prompts one to think less about one’s own sins. That’s why it comes naturally to Evangelicals to focus on the sins of others. Abortion, gay marriage and sex before marriage seem to emerge as the favorites. After a while, an extremely judgmental attitude becomes a way of life. I’ve found it a frustrating and disappointing way to live.

Thank you so much for your prayers.

Sincerely,
Mick

Thank you, Mick.

I appreciate your insight as well, from an Evangelical standpoint. Along with becoming judgemental, I think also there is the danger of taking God’s mercy for granted. Even Catholics can fall into the trap of, oh well, I’ll just go to Confession on Saturday. But to be perfectly honest, those taking advantage of the sacrament of Reconciliation are usually not nominal Christians and thus, take their relationship with Christ more seriously. They value the gift of the sacraments. Ultimately, I am reminded over and over again how merciful and loving God really is with each absolution of my sins, which only strengthens my love for him. His grace abounds!

Since you are searching, have you read much from other Evangelicals who have made the journey to the Catholic Church? There are some good ones out there.

A quick blessing: May God bless and keep you. May God’s face shine on you. May God be kind to you and give you peace.

Peace in Christ,
Teri

 

[James1982]

Jon,

I followed the link because it’s private confession in which I’m interested but after reading the relevant section I’m still not clear about what actually happens in practice in contemporary Lutheranism. Do Lutherans confess their sins audibly and in detail to the Lord in the presence of a minister or pastor in the same way that Catholics and Orthodox Christians confess their sins audibly and in detail to the Lord in the presence of a priest?

Respectfully,
Mick

Mick,

The colloquy that Jon posted in the post you replied to is generally recited at the beginning of every service. So you get into church, everybody stands up, the Pastor invites us to confess our sins, we as a group recite some version of the above statement, and the Pastor proclaims that we are forgiven. Sometimes we are given time to silently confess our individual sins prior to the Pastor proclaiming to the group that our sins are forgiven.

I know some more creative congregations are considering or have considered things like setting up the confessional so people who want to can come and talk to the Pastor individually… But I’m not aware of any Lutheran congregations that actually use one yet.

 

[kalt]

If I sin (not when I sin), I do what the Bible tells us to. I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart for true repentance. I’ve already been baptized so no need to do that continuously. lol

What do you mean by “continuously”?

Adding more, because I don’t want to come off self righteous. (not what i do…)
Paul tells us that we have to kill the flesh daily. I pray for God to forgive me for sins done unknowingly but we have to fight temptations. We also read that the flesh still has a part in us and we can either chose to feed the spirit or the flesh. I just choose to feed the spirit.

 

[JonNC]

Mick,

The colloquy that Jon posted in the post you replied to is generally recited at the beginning of every service. So you get into church, everybody stands up, the Pastor invites us to confess our sins, we as a group recite some version of the above statement, and the Pastor proclaims that we are forgiven. Sometimes we are given time to silently confess our individual sins prior to the Pastor proclaiming to the group that our sins are forgiven.

I know some more creative congregations are considering or have considered things like setting up the confessional so people who want to can come and talk to the Pastor individually… But I’m not aware of any Lutheran congregations that actually use one yet.

Yes, perhaps I was not clear, that the confession I posted was a corporate or public confession. Audible confession of individual sins of great burden would be done in private confession with a pastor/confessor.
Does that help, Mick?

Jon

 

[SSTeacher]

Mick,

The colloquy that Jon posted in the post you replied to is generally recited at the beginning of every service. So you get into church, everybody stands up, the Pastor invites us to confess our sins, we as a group recite some version of the above statement, and the Pastor proclaims that we are forgiven. Sometimes we are given time to silently confess our individual sins prior to the Pastor proclaiming to the group that our sins are forgiven.

I know some more creative congregations are considering or have considered things like setting up the confessional so people who want to can come and talk to the Pastor individually… But I’m not aware of any Lutheran congregations that actually use one yet.

Hi James,

Thanks for the clarification.

Gratefully,
Mick

 

[SSTeacher]

James1982;5111166:

Mick,

The colloquy that Jon posted in the post you replied to is generally recited at the beginning of every service. So you get into church, everybody stands up, the Pastor invites us to confess our sins, we as a group recite some version of the above statement, and the Pastor proclaims that we are forgiven. Sometimes we are given time to silently confess our individual sins prior to the Pastor proclaiming to the group that our sins are forgiven.

I know some more creative congregations are considering or have considered things like setting up the confessional so people who want to can come and talk to the Pastor individually… But I’m not aware of any Lutheran congregations that actually use one yet.

Yes, perhaps I was not clear, that the confession I posted was a corporate or public confession. Audible confession of individual sins of great burden would be done in private confession with a pastor/confessor.
Does that help, Mick?

Jon

Jon,

Yes, thanks, I’ve got it at last. Sorry for being so slow on the uptake.:doh2:

Densely,
Mick

 

[SSTeacher]

Thank you, Mick.

I appreciate your insight as well, from an Evangelical standpoint. Along with becoming judgmental, I think also there is the danger of taking God’s mercy for granted. Even Catholics can fall into the trap of, oh well, I’ll just go to Confession on Saturday. But to be perfectly honest, those taking advantage of the sacrament of Reconciliation are usually not nominal Christians and thus, take their relationship with Christ more seriously. They value the gift of the sacraments. Ultimately, I am reminded over and over again how merciful and loving God really is with each absolution of my sins, which only strengthens my love for him. His grace abounds!

Well said.

Since you are searching, have you read much from other Evangelicals who have made the journey to the Catholic Church? There are some good ones out there.

Yes, I’ve been searching for some time, now (I first became uneasy with the Evangelical position at the end of 2005) and I’ve had time to look at the reasoning given by Evangelicals who have been drawn to both Catholicism and to Orthodoxy.

A quick blessing: May God bless and keep you. May God’s face shine on you. May God be kind to you and give you peace.

Peace in Christ,
Teri

Thank you, Teri. Your kindness and gentleness is very evident. You’re a credit to your Church and to the Lord you serve.

Appreciatively,
Mick

 

[James1982]

Hi James,

Thanks for the clarification.

Gratefully,
Mick

My pleasure. I’m just happy to be able to contribute to the forum in some way.

There are a lot of people who know a lot more than I do about all things religious 'round these parts.

 

[ufamtobie]

As far as I know only Catholics and Orthodox Christians embrace auricular confession.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) reads:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

SSTeacher,

This is for our protestants brothers and sisters.

1. In all of Christian history has one gone, or can one go directly to Jesus Christ, to be Baptized?
2. Can a couple who wants to get married bypass a priest, and go directly to Jesus Christ spiritually and have Jesus marry them?

GOING DIRECTLY TO JESUS CHRIST SOUNDS GOOD, however The answer to the above two questions is, NO! Jesus Christ left his Church for matters such as these and also, TO HAVE OUR SINS FORGIVEN OR RETAINED, IS ONE OF THEM.

Now back to your question above, about Confession. How do I confess my sins? A better question is "HOW SHOULD ONE CONFESS THEIR SINS?

Hmm, lets go see what the Bible says: (John 20: 21-23) 21 He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. 23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

Wow, wow is right, Jesus Christ gives the Authority ONLY to the CHURCH to the Apostles and their Successors TO FORGIVE MENS SINS Or RETAIN them

(John 20: 21-23) Jesus Christ tells us that His Church will forgive us our sins or retain them and this is truly how we know are sins are forgiven or retained.

Yes, Yes many times throughout the day I GO DIRECTLY to Jesus Christ to forgive me of my sins and it is good to do so, BUT we must follow the truth of (John 20: 21-23) and that is to go to the CHURCH that Jesus Christ founded over 2000 years ago to have our sins washed away.

So how do I have my sins forgiven? I do exactly what (John 20: 21-23) tells me to do, and I go to the Church the Successors of the Apostles and seek forgivenss of my many sins, and I know for sure that I have been forgiven and that my sins are not retained.

Protestants, when you go directly to Jesus Christ, to have your sins forgiven, how do you know if Jesus Christ has forgiven your sins or Retained them? You certainly don’t want to go on living thinking your sins have been forgiven but in actuality they have been retained. So in order to truly beaware that your sins have been forgiven, You also must go to the Church to find out the truth. You also must follow (JOHN 20: 21-23)

Ufamtobie

 

[Reuben_J]

If it’s not too great a thing to ask, I’d like to invite you to comment on how ashamed you feel when you admit your sins and go into detail about them in the presence of another human being. This, of course, is the big obstacle. We Evangelicals have no mechanism for arriving at that state of reality. We can only try to work up vague feelings of regret. I’ve come to the conclusion that the lack of the sacramental form of confession is one of the reasons why my growth as a Christian has come to a halt and that I must leave Evangelical Christianity behind.
Ecumenically,
Mick

Hi Mick.
I am taking this opportunity to share in this area of Catholic Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation / Confession) from a personal perspective.

Yes, being ashamed to confess is perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks for this Sacrament being exercised regularly by Catholics. Not that they do not understand it but because in practice human factor does become an obstacle for them to do it freely. Having said that, this is never a very big problem by any standard. I only bring this up because it should not happen at all to Catholics.

Having to feel ashamed of one’s sin is of course reflecting the gravity of its seriousness in God’s eyes.

A couple of weeks ago my wife said she wanted to attend a retreat which was being held in another town so that she could at the same time did her confession there. I asked her why. She said she was too embarrassed about having to confess to a priest in our archdiocese, reason being we know most of our priests here.

It is easy to confess common ordinary sin like lying, anger or even missing your Sunday mass. But it’s another thing to confess a more personal sin especially to someone (a priest) that you know very well. As Catholics we are commanded to confess our sin and to do penance. I agree that Confession has its healing effect and as such it’s powerful grace for repentance and restoration of a person.

God bless.

Reuben

 

[Muslim_Woman]

** In the name of Allah , the Most Gracious , Ever Merciful **

http://theislampath.com/smf/Smileys/default/salam.gif

…Pastor: … In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

How the Pastor knows that God forgives those particular sinners ?

 

[kalt]

Hi Mick.
I am taking this opportunity to share in this area of Catholic Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation / Confession) from a personal perspective.

Yes, being ashamed to confess is perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks for this Sacrament being exercised regularly by Catholics. Not that they do not understand it but because in practice human factor does become an obstacle for them to do it freely. Having said that, this is never a very big problem by any standard. I only bring this up because it should not happen at all to Catholics.

Having to feel ashamed of one’s sin is of course reflecting the gravity of its seriousness in God’s eyes.

A couple of weeks ago my wife said she wanted to attend a retreat which was being held in another town so that she could at the same time did her confession there. I asked her why. She said she was too embarrassed about having to confess to a priest in our archdiocese, reason being we know most of our priests here.

It is easy to confess common ordinary sin like lying, anger or even missing your Sunday mass. But it’s another thing to confess a more personal sin especially to someone (a priest) that you know very well. As Catholics we are commanded to confess our sin and to do penance. I agree that Confession has its healing effect and as such it’s powerful grace for repentance and restoration of a person.

God bless.

Reuben

I’ve often heard non-Catholics say that Catholics sin easily because they just go to Confession and start fresh.

These people have obviously never been in a Confessional.

If anything, Confession keeps you on the right track. If you know you have to confess it, you’re less likely to do it.

I think that Catholics who don’t go to Confession think less about their actions than Catholics who regularly go to Confession.

Think about it. If you know that whatever you do, you’re going to have to tell your father, out loud, and in person, won’t you watch what you do and say a lot more closely?

 

[kalt]

** In the name of Allah , the Most Gracious , Ever Merciful **

http://theislampath.com/smf/Smileys/default/salam.gif

How the Pastor knows that God forgives those particular sinners ?

It’s in the NT.

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

As far as I know only Catholics and Orthodox Christians embrace auricular confession.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) reads:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Few would argue with the assertion that it’s incumbent upon every Christian to confess his or her sins. There’s no secret about how Catholics and Orthodox Christians tackle this exercise and there’s no shortage of criticism (particularly from the Evangelical camp) as a result. But is the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church so very wrong in their practice of auricular confession? What other way is there of confessing – really confessing – your sins?

How do you confess your sins?

Gabriel of 12;
Speaking as a Catholic; first one has to have an understanding of the differences between a Venial sin, and a deadly (mortal) sin. Venial sins are confessed directly to God and are forgiven these at times are confessed to a priest, in fact before we enter into the mysteries of God and go before him the whole community confesses a pentential rite for nothing unclean shall come before God.

Mortal sin is break away from God’s saving Grace, that is why scripture refer’s to these as deadly. These sins require a legal matter to bring about justice. This is where “Two or more are gathered in my name” comes in. Since the old covenant a trial consisted of two witnesses to reach at truth. In confession the one penitent has a Priest and the Holy Spirit giving witness to the confession. Jesus our intercessor, stands before God as though slain, offering up his sacrifice for our sins eternally, washing away our confessed sins in his blood.

All of these actions in the sacrament of reconciliation which Jesus handed to the apostles have biblical old covenant connotations (laws) being excercised by the fulfillment of Jesus in his new covenant in his sacrifice. This is why Jesus lived and died for, to reconcile humanity back to God. Not only for those who are (lost) dying, but also for those who become (fall from God’s Grace) sick who are in need of a physician. That is why James states in scripture “is anyone among you sick? he should call for a Priest (presbyter), confess his sins and he will be forgiven”

Besides the “Angels in heaven rejoice over the sinner who repents”.

 

[SSTeacher]

SSTeacher;5109596:

If it’s not too great a thing to ask, I’d like to invite you to comment on how ashamed

you feel when you admit your sins and go into detail about them in the presence of another human being. This, of course, is the big obstacle. We Evangelicals have no mechanism for arriving at that state of reality. We can only try to work up vague feelings of regret. I’ve come to the conclusion that the lack of the sacramental form of confession is one of the reasons why my growth as a Christian has come to a halt and that I must leave Evangelical Christianity behind.
Ecumenically,
Mick
:thumbsup:Hi Mick.
I am taking this opportunity to share in this area of Catholic Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation / Confession) from a personal perspective.

Hi Reuben,

It’s the personal perspective that I’m seeking.

Yes, being ashamed to confess is perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks for this Sacrament being exercised regularly by Catholics. Not that they do not understand it but because in practice human factor does become an obstacle for them to do it freely. Having said that, this is never a very big problem by any standard. I only bring this up because it should not happen at all to Catholics.

Well said. Being ashamed to confess can happen only because of the presence of another human being. My suggestion is that only Catholics and Orthodox Christians can realistically experience such a feeling. I’ve certainly never come across an Evangelical Christian who voiced difficulty with confessing alone in a room with nobody else around and able to hear.

Having to feel ashamed of one’s sin is of course reflecting the gravity of its seriousness in God’s eyes.

Indeed.

A couple of weeks ago my wife said she wanted to attend a retreat which was being held in another town so that she could at the same time did her confession there. I asked her why. She said she was too embarrassed about having to confess to a priest in our archdiocese, reason being we know most of our priests here.

And I think everybody reading your words will immediately understand why your wife would feel that way. That’s how anybody would feel. I’m reminded of something Father Hopko (I think) wrote, that we cannot see the true ugliness of our sins until we see them in the mind and heart of the one to whom we have confessed.

It is easy to confess common ordinary sin like lying, anger or even missing your Sunday mass. But it’s another thing to confess a more personal sin especially to someone (a priest) that you know very well.

It’s perhaps relevant to note here that confession inside Holy Orthodoxy is never anonymous.

As Catholics we are commanded to confess our sin and to do penance. I agree that Confession has its healing effect and as such it’s powerful grace for repentance and restoration of a person.

God bless.

Reuben

Thanks for these thoughts and observations, Reuben. I’m grateful that you chose to respond in the way you did and didn’t stoop to hijack my question in order to give a lecture or pick a fight.

Appreciatively,
Mick

 

[JonNC]

So how do I have my sins forgiven? I do exactly what (John 20: 21-23) tells me to do, and I go to the Church the Successors of the Apostles and seek forgivenss of my many sins, and I know for sure that I have been forgiven and that my sins are not retained.

We go to the church, also. I do not question the validity of the Catholic preisthood, and their ability to act in Christ’s stead, but neither do I question our preisthoods validity, either.
When my pastor says, “As a called and ordained servant of Christ and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen”, I know my sins are forgiven.

Jon

 

[Muslim_Woman]

In the name of Allah , Most Gracious, Most Merciful

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

It’s in the NT.

Pl. give more info . How a human being can say others that you are forgiven…he did not even say , God Willing , you will be forgiven .

 

[SSTeacher]

kalt;5115677:

It’s in the NT.

Pl. give more info . How a human being can say others that you are forgiven…he did not even say, God Willing, you will be forgiven .

Hi Muslim Woman,

The How is answered if one considers the presuppositions held. If, for example, one presupposes that the New Testament is inspired i.e. it comes from God then it logically follows that what is contained in it is true and ought to be regarded by human beings as a guide for the way they are required to live. 1 John 1:9 in the New International Version states this:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Q.E.D.

Respectfully,
Mick