One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
249. What precious gift does the Holy Spirit bestow upon us in this Christian church?
In this Christian church He daily forgives me and all believers all our sins.
250. But does a sanctified person need the forgiveness of sins every day?
Yes; because sanctification is never perfected in this life, and sin cleaves to a Christian as long as he is in the world.
251. Whom has God given power to declare the forgiveness of sins?
The congregation, through its ministers. [Absolution.]
Matt. 18:18. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.