Three Spheres of Confession 1. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Before the pastor Any one whom you forgive, I also forgive.
Confession has two parts.
First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.