A Plea for the Absolution in the Reformed Churches

The use of the word 'plea' in the article is an accurate foretaste of what is to come. Thomson lists a number of scriptural warrants in support of his case while acknowledging that there is debate over their interpretation, and restating the Reformed position over the need for repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He cites also, the relevant passages from the Westminster Confession of Faith (Ch. xxx) in making his case.

He notes the section in the Book of Common Prayer devoted to the visitation of the sick while reminding the reader that it is not only the sick who are in need of assurance of pardon. The arguments for and against specific wording are well rehearsed in the sphere of both private devotions and corporate worship. He defines three forms of absolution in relation to worship, namely the prophetic form, the priestly form and finally the liturgical, for which he indicates a clear preference and which he sees as sitting well in the Reformed tradition.

The penultimate paragraph directs the reader to the blessing at the climax of every service, in which God’s peace (and wholeness and forgiveness) are conveyed. The last paragraph is worth quoting verbatim. “This plea for a re-consideration of the Absolution is offered, therefore, against a background of Scriptural warrant, and Confessional authority, of Reformed practice both traditional and contemporary. Human need and divine grace met at the Cross. The redemption there won may well be sealed to the people of God when we fulfil our ministry of reconciliation through the ‘liturgical absolution’.”