Confession

Background

This song is written to be used in a service which includes a time for confession and forgiveness.  It provides for an invitation to self-reflection and repentance, an appeal to God for forgiveness, a declaration of forgiveness, as well as rejoicing in the forgiveness given.

There are four distinct parts to this song as it flows from confession to absolution to rejoicing.

1. Silent Confession.  Note the long introduction on the recording.  This could be a time when the worship leader or pastor invites the congregation to reflect on their need for God’s forgiveness.

2. Sung Confession.  This is the first two verses, chorus and bridge before the absolution.  We first sing our confession to God, acknowledging our sin and our sinfulness.  We appeal to God for his mercy in light of the cross and resurrection.  The bridge speaks of forgiveness as a return to baptism, and evokes the image of the returning prodigal (Luke 15:11-32).  It also speaks of the feast referred to in the parable, but also the feast which is worship, culminating in the Lord’s Supper.

3. Spoken Absolution.  The declaration of forgiveness in Christ’s name for His sake.  In keeping with John 20:23, we speak with the authority of Christ in declaring His forgiveness .  This spoken part is actually the high point of the song, the answer to the prayer of the confession.  Through His word, spoken in the absolution, God is granting forgiveness as we worship.

4. Rejoicing in Forgiveness.  Now the words of the bridge and the chorus are changed.  No longer an appeal for forgiveness and mercy, but now a declaration and rejoicing in the forgiveness and mercy given through the Word in the Absolution.  The Lord has had mercy on us.

For additional liturgical songs, click here.

Bible Verses

Themes

Repentance, Baptism, Cross of Christ, Forgiveness, Liturgical, Salvation, Worship

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