When Christians confess together their belief in the forgiveness of sin, it's like pinching themselves to make sure that what they heard isn't a dream. Absolution seems somehow illicit, frightening, and joyful all at once. Can this be true? May God just forgive me? Can a word of promise accomplish what's promised? Is it right? Is it binding? Will it last? Is it legal? Is it even possible for the God who knows all things and counts the hairs on our heads to forget something, especially something as obvious as our selfishness?