The World's Ruined: Reformed Liturgical Confession and Absolution

Jack Miller, over at The World's Ruined blog has posted some excellent observations on the use of public and general confessions of sin and the Gospel absolution.  I found this comment in particular to be to the point:

As you'll see below, the power of forgiveness was anchored in the Gospel and not the minister.  One of the striking things in the following examples is that the minister offers absolution not to just anyone sitting in the pew, but only to those who repent and believe in the gospel.  Absolution is not merely a word proclaimed by the minister.  Rather, it is a sure and certain pardon offered and proclaimed by the minister to all who repent and believe in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.  By the hearing of the Good News offered in Christ Jesus via the words of God's ordained minister of the gospel, the faith of the sinner/saint is engaged.  And it is through faith in Christ that forgiveness and mercy are received by the grace of God.

Click here to read the rest of Jack's post:  The World's Ruined: Reformed Liturgical Confession and Absolution