Understanding Absolution

The Lord be with you,

absolution“Absolution” is a common feature in Lutheran worship services. It is that point where the pastor says, “Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (John 20:19-23). It is also something that visitors often just don’t understand.

Bryan Wolfmueller explains Absolution with a wonderful analogy that I thought I’d share.

Imagine you are in jail. The judge across the street in the courthouse is hearing your case. He declares you innocent. He then gives the bailiff the key to your jail cell with the charge to set you free. The bailiff comes to you, unlocks your cell, and says, “I am setting your free.” You, of course, say, “Hey, that’s not your job! The judge is the only one who can set me free. I’m staying right here!” The bailiff comes with the word of the judge for you. He is delivering to you the verdict of the court. He has the key and the command from the judge to set you free. …

This is how it is with the Absolution. The Absolution, the declaration of sins forgiven, is sure and valid because Christ has died and been raised, because His blood availed before the Father’s throne, and because He has commanded His Church to forgive sins.

Bryan Wolfmueller Has American Christianity Failed? 111