In the Divine Service, right after corporate confession and before the Absolution is declared, the pastor says, "I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you. And in the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all of your sins." Why does he say this? Is it to make sure everyone in the congregation knows who's in charge? Is it because pastors has a power complex and want to keep the congregation under their thumb? Why does the pastor have to remind all the people gathered together that he is a pastor in the office of the Holy Ministry who stands in the stead of Jesus?

Well, the Small Catechism has the answer which says, "I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners form the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent pf their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself." (Small Catechism Office of the Keys). From which Scripture text did Luther draw this assertion? Well, Luther asks concerning the office of the keys, "Where is this written? This is what St. John the Evangelist writes in chapter twenty: The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgive; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (John 20:22-23).  So, the pastor declares the reality that he stands in the stead of Jesus and that by virtue of his office he forgives you all of your sins. This is not to lift him up above you, as if he is a better person than you, less of a sinner than you are. No. The pastor confesses the virtue, not of himself, but of the office in which he has been placed, in order that all who are gathered may know that it is Jesus Himself who stands there forgiving them their transgressions.

So, why does this pastor say all this stuff before the absolution? He says it that you may have the assurance of your forgiveness. When the pastor says these things, he is reminding you that his forgiveness is God's forgiveness; therefore, you can rest assured that Jesus does forgive you all your failures, weaknesses, and short-comings. By virtue of the Ministry, you have the gift of Jesus right there in the Divine Service forgiving you all your sins. The pastor stands there, covered in vestments, by virtue of Jesus' instituted and mandated Office of the Ministry, in order to deliver to you forgiveness that leaves no room for doubt, but only absolute assurance. So take heart. Are your sins forgiven in the Divine Service by Jesus Himself? Yes, because the pastor forgives you not based on his personal piety, good works, or personality, but rather as an instrument who by virtue of the Office stands in the stead of Jesus. Rejoice, your sins are forgiven here on earth and before God in heaven.

Peace be with you. May the devil be silenced, the world be hushed, and the Old Adam be drowned anew so that you hear only the voice of your Savior Jesus who says, "I forgive you. I love you. I claim you as My own forever," Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog,

Pastor Hull