Absolution

Alone, alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide wide sea! And never a saint took pity on My soul in agony. —Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Coleridge’s poem illustrates the incredible burden of loneliness caused by sin. The Mariner anguishes over his foolish error and has no one to comfort him. Instead, the eyes of his fallen companions hang open—and stare!

The “wages of sin” is not only death (). It includes also the death of relationships. Because of sin, marriage, parenthood, and friendship seem to face insurmountable obstacles. Personalities conflict, rebellion flares, motives become selfish, and feelings are frequently hurt. As witnesses to many of these struggles, marriage and family counselors note that healthy and lasting relationships best develop as people learn to practice forgiveness.

1. Why is forgiveness so essential to healthy relationships?

Forgiveness is essential even to healthy relationships. Since all people are sinners, we cannot have a healthy relationship without forgiveness. God frequently describes His relationship with His people in family terms. The Church is clled the Bride of Christ. God's Word compares His love to the selfless love parents have for their children. Likewise, Scripture describes our response to God's love as that of unfaithful spouses or selfish and rebellious children. When we, by sinning, damage or reject the relationship God desires to have with us, there is only one remedy: the forgiveness won by His Son on the cross.

SWEET FORGIVENESS

2. Read . Who has the authority to forgive or absolve sin? Why?

Mark 2:1–12 ESV

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

In , we read the story of Jesus healing the paralytic man. The teachers of the law were quite right to ask, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (v. 7). As teachers of the law, they knew what the Old Testament had to say regarding sin and forgiveness. They knew well the words David addressed to God: "Against You, You only, have I sinned" (). Sin is never merely a mistake. Nor is it ever simply a wrong done against one's neighbor. Sin is, in its essence, rebellion against the almighty God; it is the breaking of His holy and perfect Law. Therefore, forgiveness must come from the one who has been offended—God Himself. The teachers' mistake was not in believing that God alone can forgive sin, but in failing to recognize who it was that stood before them, saying, "Son, your sins are forgiven." They failed to realize what Jesus was in fact revealing to them: that He is God Himself, God incarnate. And as God, He exercises His divine authority: "The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" ().

3. Compare and . On what grounds do David and Daniel appeal to God for forgiveness?

Psalm 51:1 ESV

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.

Daniel 9:17–19 ESV

Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”

In his memorable psalm of repentance, David pleads: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy" (51:1). David approaches God as a sinner. He makes no claims on God; he does not attempt to persuade the Lord of his worthiness. On the contrary, David appeals to the merciful, loving, and compassionate character of God Himself. He asks only that God act according to His nature—and forgive. Likewise, Daniel makes his appeal on the basis of God's merciful nature: "We do not present our pleas before You because of our righteousness, but because of Your great mercy" (). The psalmist and the prophet approach God knowing that God desires to forgive, not on the basis of one's merit but on the basis of His mercy. Daniel emphasizes this conviction by repeating the refrain: "For Your own sake, O Lord" (v. 17), "For Your own sake, O my God" (v. 19). 

4. Read . In what manner did God actually demonstrate His loving mercy?

Romans 5:6–11 ESV

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

What terms does Paul use to describe the effects this has upon our relationship with God? God's love and mercy are not abstract attributes. God is love in action. God's love manifests itself in real life and in real death. Paul dramatically stresses this point in his letter to the Romans: "God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (5:8). Paul highlights the magnitude of this divine love as he explains that very few would give their life even for a righteous or good man. And yet—mercy of mercies—God allowed His only Son to die for the ungodly, for those who remained mired in sin. Just as God demonstrates His love for our lives, so, too, does His sacrificial love transform the lives of His people. God did not demonstrate His love for sinners so that people might merely see or understand this love. The love made visible on the cross actually affects the relationship between God and His people. Through His act of mercy God justified us. God declares us innocent for Jesus' sake. The Lord no longer remembers the sin that separated us from Him. Paul goes on to state that with this declaration of innocence, God has reconciled us to Himself. Although our sinful rebellion once made us God's enemies, the blood of Christ has spared us God's wrath and brought us again into a loving relationship with Him. 

5. Read . How do individuals receive Christ’s forgiveness won on the cross? What example does Paul use to explain this?

Romans 4:18–25 ESV

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

In recalling the story of Abraham, the apostle Paul directs his readers' attention to the all-important words "it was counted to him" (). God credited righteousness to Abraham. Although Abraham honestly faced the fact that his body was "as good as dead," and that his wife Sarah's womb was also "dead," he believed that God would fulfill His promise to grant them children. "In hope he believed against hope" (v. 18). That is, Abraham had faith; he trusted the word of the Lord. And on the basis of this trust, God credited to him righteousness. But Paul's concern is not only with Abraham. He goes on to proclaim: "The words 'it was counted to him' were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also" 23—24). On account of our sin we honestly recognize that before God we are "as good as dead." We deserve death. But just as God credited righteousness to Abraham on account of his faith in the promise, so also God credits righteousness to those who believe the promise given with Christ: He "was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification" (v. 25). This is God's gracious promise, that the death and resurrection of Christ took place for our justification, for our forgiveness. Although this death and resurrection occurred long ago, the benefits of that sacrifice are received through faith even today.

6. Read . Using the same example as above, what point does the author make? For what reason can a person be certain of God’s forgiveness?

Hebrews 6:13–20 ESV

For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Abraham has sometimes been called the "father of faith." Many biblical authors use Abraham's great trust in the Lord as an example. The author of Hebrews repeats what Paul says about Abraham (). But he also further explains the implications of God's promise to Abraham. He realizes that, even when God Himself makes a promise, believing that promise is not always easy. The Lord has therefore taken an oath by His promise, and "an oath is final for confirmation" (). Since, as the author reminds us, it is impossible for God to lie, His promises cease all arguments and all doubts—"We have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul" (v. 19). 

7. Read . What sin did David commit? Does the brevity of his confession and subsequent Absolution seem fitting? Why or why not?

2 Samuel 12:1–13 ESV

And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds, but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’ ” David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.

The events of form the background against which David wrote . Chapter 11 describes David's sins of adultery and murder. In chapter 12, Nathan, a prophet sent by the Lord, confronts David with his crimes. Upon realizing the enormity of his sins and hearing the judgment pronounced upon him, David can only respond with the words, "I have sinned against the LORD" (). He offers no excuses. He does not attempt to shift the blame. Nor does he qualify his repentance in anyway. He simply confesses. And Nathan, in response, pronounces God's forgiveness. He does not further chastise David for his sin. He does not pry into the motivation behind David's actions. Nor does he question David's sincerity. As the Lord's mouthpiece, Nathan announces the judgment of the Lord: "The LORD also has put away your sin" (v. 13).

THE HEART OF CHRISTIANITY

THE HEART OF CHRISTIANITY

A recent survey of high school and college students showed that the most recognizable example of Christianity was Ned Flanders, a self-righteous, superstitious, Bible-thumping character in The Simpsons cartoon. Whereas previous generations identified Christianity with people like Billy Graham, this generation identified Christianity with a satire of Christian teaching and practice, a basic misunderstanding of the Gospel.

This satire involves a basic misunderstanding of the Gospel and a superficial caricature of the "religious right." For example, as the story goes, Flanders was a wild, rebellious hippie whose parents were beatniks. After undergoing radical therapy he became incapable of expressing anger, went to Oral Roberts University, had a series of successful careers, and became a pillar of the community through selfless charity work. His Christianity embraces goodness and salvation, yet is focused on the perceived suppression of one's "true" nature under a veneer of morality, works-righteousness and its perceived good to society. This portrayal of Christianity includes a literalistic pickiness regarding doctrine and the Bible, and what secular culture would view as selective intolerance to homosexuality and non-Christian religions. 

8. Forgiveness and the means by which it was won—Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross—stand at the heart of Christianity. If questioned, how might you explain to someone what it means to be a Christian?

So how can we explain to someone what it means to be a Christian? Many in our society would describe Christians as people whose morality is defined by their actions: attending church, performing works of charity, or following Christ by trying to emulate His works (consider the "What Would Jesus Do" idea). The Christian certainly will take advantage of every opportunity to worship and to do good works in service to his neighbor. Likewise, the Christian most definitely wants to follow Christ. Yet these acts focus on what a human being does. 

We cannot limit Christianity to good works because forgiveness and the means by which it was won—Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross— stand at the heart Of Christianity. TO our great relief, the Christian faith is first and foremost not about what we do, but about what God has done for us in the person and work of Christ. In contrast to popular, works-centered explanations of what it means to be a Christian, we point to Jesus when asked who we are. As Christians, we are those whom God bought by the blood Of His only Son, Jesus Christ. We are those upon whom, in Baptism, Christ has put His name. We are those whom God has forgiven through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. 

9. Particular sins may often weigh heavily on your conscience. In such instances, how may the account of David’s confession and Absolution prove especially comforting?

David had committed adultery and murder. While we may never be convicted of such sins, neither should we take refuge in our little sins! In the eyes of God, sin is sin. Whether large or small, sin is an act of rebellion against His divine Law. And, acting as a mirror to reflect our sinfulness, this Law never ceases to accuse us. The circumstances of David's Confession and Absolution, however, may provide great comfort and consolation when our conscience condemns us. No matter how great our sin, God offers full and complete forgiveness. Like David, we hear from His called servant, "The Lord has put away your sin." 

10. Review the answers to question 3. In the context of our confusing, inconsistent, and often contradictory world, what personal consolation do you find in this description of God?

Times change. Styles change. People change. And not always for the better! But in the midst of an ever-changing world, Scripture assures us that God does not change. He remains ever merciful, ever compassionate, and ever willing to forgive us. His promises are sure; they do not expire and He does not revoke them. He invites us to come confidently before Him, seeking Absolution and requesting forgiveness "for Your own sake, O Lord." 

SERIOUSLY AND SINCERELY

SERIOUSLY AND SINCERELY God takes our sin very seriously. We rejoice to be assured, however, that He takes our forgiveness just as seriously by sending His only Son to suffer sin’s consequences and to win our forgiveness. This forgiveness forms the foundation for our intimate relationship with God.

God takes our sin very seriously. We rejoice to be assured, however, that He takes our forgiveness just as seriously by sending His only Son to suffer sin’s consequences and to win our forgiveness. This forgiveness forms the foundation for our intimate relationship with God.

11. In what ways does God continue to strengthen His relationship with you?

Relationships built on love are strengthened as that love is continually expressed. Our relationship with God is founded on the forgiving love He so dramatically demonstrated on the cross of Calvary. Likewise, this relationship grows, matures, and is strengthened as we continue to hear God speak to us the good news of His forgiveness. We have regular opportunities to hear the Gospel through His Word spoken in Scripture, through His Word placed in the mouth of pastors and confessors, and in His Word attached to the physical elements of the Lord's Supper. 

12. As one who has been forgiven, how can the power of forgiveness also affect your relationships with others?

We are children who have been forgiven; the power of forgiveness can also affect our relationships with others. In the Lord's prayer we pray that God would forgive our sins. We also ask that He might daily strengthen us to forgive those who sin against us. In this fallen world, we will lack opportunities to forgive those who have wronged or offended us. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, we can love our neighbor as God has loved us. We can strengthen, repair, and renew strained or broken relationships by willingly forgiving and demonstrating our love for those who have hurt us. 

COMPARISONS

Eastern Orthodox: To receive Absolution, one must be contrite, intend to amend one's life, and have faith in Christ's mercy. "Is there not besides these [fasting and prayer] a certain special mean used by holy Church for cleansing and giving peace to the conscience of the penitent? Such a mean is the epitimia, or penance. What is epitimia? The word means punishment." (The Longer Catechism of the Eastern Church, questions 355-56.)

Lutheran: God's Law causes a person to repent. Absolution, which is simply a declaration of forgiveness through Christ, takes away sin and consoles the repentant heart. As a result of God's forgiveness, Christians naturally amend their lives. Most worship services include public Absolution. Private Absolution is encouraged for those especially troubled by their sins.

Lutheran: God's Law causes a person to repent. Absolution, which is simply a declaration of forgiveness through Christ, takes away sin and consoles the repentant heart. As a result of God's forgiveness, Christians naturally amend their lives. Most worship services include public Absolution. Private Absolution is encouraged for those especially troubled by their sins.

Roman Catholic: To receive Absolution, one must be contrite, confess, and agree to make satisfaction. "... [W]e are able, through Christ Jesus, to make satisfaction to God the Father, not only by punishments voluntarily assumed by us for the punishment of sin, or imposed at the discretion of the priest in proportion to the transgression, but even (which is a great evidence oflove) by temporal scourgings inflicted by God and patiently borne by us" (Canons and Decrees ofthe Council of Trent, Session 8, chapter IX; see also Catechism of the Catholic Church SS 1459-60).

Roman Catholic: To receive Absolution, one must be contrite, confess, and agree to make satisfaction. "... [W]e are able, through Christ Jesus, to make satisfaction to God the Father, not only by punishments voluntarily assumed by us for the punishment of sin, or imposed at the discretion of the priest in proportion to the transgression, but even (which is a great evidence of love) by temporal scourgings inflicted by God and patiently borne by us" (Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, Session 8, chapter IX; see also Catechism of the Catholic Church SS 1459-60).

Reformed, Baptist, Anabaptist, and Wesleyan: Declaration of forgiveness through Absolution is not practiced. Confession is usually made to God directly but may include a public commitment as evidence of faith in God's forgiveness. (For example: "being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy .. [New Hampshire Baptist Confession, article 81.) Some churches emphasize discipline, under which a person expresses repentance before church leaders in order to be restored to communion.

Reformed, Baptist, Anabaptist, and Wesleyan: Declaration of forgiveness through Absolution is not practiced. Confession is usually made to God directly but may include a public commitment as evidence of faith in God's forgiveness. (For example: "being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy... [New Hampshire Baptist Confession, article 81.) Some churches emphasize discipline, under which a person expresses repentance before church leaders in order to be restored to communion.

POINT TO REMEMBER

“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.