Repentant sinners in God’s Church are those who confess their sins to be sins before God, who are sorry because of their sins, desire to improve their life, and who trust in Jesus Christ, the Savior of sinners. To them we are to pronounce the absolution.
Ps. 51: 17: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite hearts, O God, Thou wilt not despise.
Luke 18:13: God be merciful to me, a sinner.
Matt. 26:75: And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Prov. 28:13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Acts 16:31: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
Matt. 3:8: Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.
Assignment: Read Luke 15:11-24: the prodigal son.
