She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Matthew 15:27

Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Psalm 19:12

What is Confession? Christians need to be taught the answer to this question.  Biblical teaching is different than that of the Roman Catholic Church which usually comes to mind when confession is brought up.

Almighty God, according to Your great mercy in Christ, forgive us our sins, grant power to become Your children, bestow upon us the Holy Spirit, and bring this good work of Yours in us to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“The forgiveness of sins means something to one who has sins.”

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10

Almighty God, grant that we who deserve to be afflicted for our evil deeds may mercifully be relieved by the comfort of Your grace; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

God forgives sin in Christ!

We are reminded here also in this text that the forgiveness spoken by ministers (St. Paul as example) is done for the sake of the people of God in the presence of Christ. Christ has commanded penitent sinners to be forgiven. Pastors are to do this for the sake of Christ’s people.