2011-10-03

What is public confession?

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If brothers or sisters in faith have fallen into manifest sin, it is necessary that they receive spiritual care and that the resulting offense to the congregation be removed. If they have not in any other way come to a knowledge of their sin and its damning nature, the pastor must lead them to this knowledge. When they come to a knowledge of their sins, the pastor pronounces God’s and the congregation’s forgiveness to them, and receives them as beloved brothers or sisters in faith back into the fellowship of the other pardoned children of God.

1 Tim. 5:20: Them that sin, rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

2 Sam. 12:13: David said unto Nathan: I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David: The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.