1. Opening Prayer

3. Read “What is Confession” p. 285

4. 1. What is the first part of confession
1. What is the first part of confession? 325 confess or acknowledge our sins 2. What sins should we confess before God? 326 ALL sins

5. 3. What is the second part of confession. 329 Absolution 4
3. What is the second part of confession? 329 Absolution 4. How should we receive the Absolution spoken by the Pastor? 330 As though God Himself were speaking it.

6. Read “The Office of the Keys” p. 293

7. 5. What special authority has Christ given to His church
5. What special authority has Christ given to His church? 334 the power to forgive or withhold forgiveness

8. 6. Why is this authority called the Office of the Keys
6. Why is this authority called the Office of the Keys? 335 it works like the keys to open or close heaven by forgiving or not forgiving.

9. 7. What words in Matthew 18:18 mean "to not forgive sins"
7. What words in Matthew 18:18 mean "to not forgive sins"? bind, bound 8. What words in Matthew 18:18 mean "to forgive sins"? loose, loosed

10. 9. Who is to be forgiven? 336 those who repent and ask for forgiveness 10. Who is not to be forgiven? 337 Unrepentant sinners – those who do not believe and are not sorry for their sins.

11. 11. Who receives the forgiveness in absolution
11. Who receives the forgiveness in absolution? 338 Only repentant believers – those who are sorry for their sins and believe in Jesus.

12. 12. If a person refuses to repent, what must the congregation do
12. If a person refuses to repent, what must the congregation do? 280 Excommunicate that person

13. 13. What is the purpose of excommunication
13. What is the purpose of excommunication? 341 To lead the sinners to repentance

14. 14. What is the duty of a congregation toward an excommunicated sinner who repents? 342 Forgive, welcome back

15. 15. Who has the power to forgive sins. God 16. Who has He given it to
15. Who has the power to forgive sins? God 16. Who has He given it to? Church 17. Who do they give it to? Pastor

19. 1 John 1:8-9 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

20. What happens next?

21. Closing Prayer