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The Catechism of the New Apostolic Church
- Contents
- 12.1.1 General remarks concerning divine service
- 12.1.2 Divine service in the Old Testament
- 12.1.3 Divine service in the New Testament
- 12.1.4 Further development of Christian divine service
- 12.1.5 Divine service as an encounter with God
- 12.1.6 Proclamation of the word
- 12.1.7 The Lord's Prayer
- 12.1.8 Forgiveness of sins in the divine service
- 12.1.9 Dispensation of the sacraments in the divine service
- 12.1.10 The closing benediction
- 12.1.11 Acts of blessing in the sequence of the divine service
- 12.1.12 Ordinations, appointments, reinstatements, retirements
- 12.1.13 Divine services for the departed
- 12.1.14 Music in the divine service
12.1.8 Forgiveness of sins in the divine service
The fact that forgiveness of sins is possible is solely thanks to the grace of God. His love for sinful mankind is demonstrated in the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ and in His death on the cross. This perfect, eternally valid sacrifice is the foundation for the forgiveness of sins.
The forgiveness of sins (absolution) is not a sacrament but rather the prerequisite for receiving the sacraments worthily. It is pronounced following the Lord's Prayer, which is prayed collectively by the congregation, with the words:
"In the commission of my sender, the Apostle, I proclaim unto you the glad tidings: in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, your sins are forgiven. The peace of the Risen One abide with you. Amen."
The congregation confirms its believing acceptance of this forgiveness by saying "Amen".
12.1.8.2 God's patience–the sacrificial service in the Old Testament
12.1.8.3 The sacrifice of Christ–foundation for the forgiveness of sins
12.1.8.4 Prerequisites for obtaining forgiveness of sins
12.1.8.5 Repentance and remorse
12.1.8.6 Sin that is not forgiven
12.1.8.7 Proclamation and authority
12.1.8.8 Effects of the forgiveness of sins