Augsburg Confession: Chief Articles of the Faith. Article 11: Confession. Confession is good for the soul.

"Private absolution should be retained in the churches”, the Concordians confess.  Yet, for various reasons the practice has been largely absent from most Lutheran congregations.  We want to follow the Lord’s command to forgive and retain sins (John 20 & Matthew 16), but confession should not be a source of more guilt and shame.  Confession/absolution give the benefits of Christ’s cross to the sinner which should not have more rules added to it.  The pastor cares for souls by rightly applying Law & Gospel through the office of the keys for repentance and the free forgiveness as from Christ Himself.  Go to confession and receive His blessed forgiveness.   “Baptismal waters cover me, As I approach on bended knee; My Father’s mercy here I plead, for grievous sins of thought and deed.”  LSB #616, st 1.  Rev. Dr. Joshua Miller, pastor of Jehovah Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the truth of Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.