Liturgy: The Assurance of Pardon
This is part three in a series on the liturgy at Renovation Church, which is a part of a larger series on worship. For an explanation of what liturgy is, start here. To go back to the beginning of our series on worship, click here.
“I forgive you.” What wonderful words to hear. We have all been there. We have all done something that needed forgiving. As sinful creatures, we are accustomed with needing forgiveness. We fail our spouses. We fail our children. We fail at work. We fail our neighbors. Ultimately, we fail God (Psalm 51:4). Last week, you read about the prayer of confession of sin. In that time, we confess to God that we have not loved Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, nor have we loved our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-39). Really, we are confessing that we have failed to keep all of God’s law (Matt. 22:40). There is an important distinction in Christian theology and practice. This is the distinction between law and gospel. This can be simply summarized as the law says do, but the gospel says done. Writing for Core Christianity, Nicholas Davis phrases it as “do this and done” (more here: link).
In the confession of sin, we acknowledge we have not done. But, with the assurance of pardon, God reminds us that He has done. God does not leave His people without comforting promises and words; John Calvin called these “words of pardon” (Christ-Centered Worship, Chapel 47). Those who, in faith, confess their sin find Jesus present and the Spirit able to heal them of their sin. The assurance of pardon tells God’s people something that is already true. That is, all who believe and belong to Jesus and cling to Him as their only hope have been pardoned of their sin. That is why it is an assurance. The service leader is not imparting forgiveness for sin nor absolving anyone of sin. This work God has already done by giving his people the precious blood of Jesus. Sealed by the Spirit and imputed (or credited) the righteousness of Christ, the Christian receives assurance of God’s perfect work in redemption; that is, the work already done by Christ in our justification and the work being done by the Spirit in our sanctification. The assurance of pardon is what God says to his people.
Think about that for a minute. Remember when I wrote that worship is a dialogue? We respond to God’s holiness with a recognition that we are sinful and unworthy before one such as Him. But, the conversation does not stop there! God responds to our confession that He has forgiven us. And, He continues to forgive us because of what Jesus has done on our behalf. Yes, we fail to keep God’s commandments as we ought. But, God does not heap upon us more demands after we confess. He assures us. God assures us of the good news that He has forgiven us in Christ, every week. Do you struggle with your assurance of salvation while you in faith fight against the flesh? Worry not, God speaks comforting words to you every Lord’s in the assurance of pardon! Yes, the law says do. But, the gospel says done. On the Lord’s Day, Sunday, remember that God speaks to you and assures you of the good news that if you are in Christ by faith He has indeed forgiven you of your sins, and that He is cleansing you of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). It is glorious and assuring to receive this word, week in and week out.
Here are some assurances of pardon you might hear during worship:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:11-12
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” – Ephesians 2:8
“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud
and your sins like mist;
return to me, for I have redeemed you.” – Isaiah 44:22