Saturday, May 21, 2005
2 Thessalonians 2:14 He called you by our gospel.
I BELIEVE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS
We confess our faith in the fact that God forgives sins in the third portion of the Apostles Creed, the article that describes the work of the Holy Spirit. As Luther confesses and explains: "In which Christian Church He (the Holy Spirit) daily and richly forgives sins to me and all believers."
One of our catechisms therefore asks "Why do we say that the Holy Spirit forgives sins when it is the Son of God who secured our forgiveness by dying for us on the cross?" In my experience this is one of the more difficult questions put to the catechetical student. It is also one of the most beneficial to ask and answer.
(pause here and formulate your answer)
The reason this question is so valuable to the youngster growing in his/her faith becomes clear, doesn't it? To answer it one must understand and appreciate the connection between the work of Christ our Savior and the work of the Holy Spirit. While Jesus purchased for us the forgiveness of sins with His very blood, I would neither know of His atoning work nor believe it was done FOR ME if the Holy Spirit did not work faith in human hearts through the Gospel. It is entirely accurate to say the Spirit daily and richly forgives our sins for this is the great gift He makes our own by bringing us to faith in Christ and keeping us in that faith.
Holy Ghost with pow'r divine Cleanse this guilty heart of mine;
In Thy mercy pity me, From sins bondage set me free.
Let me see my Savior's face, Let me all His beauties trace;
Show those glorious truths to me Which are only known to Thee.
