The Forgiveness of Sins (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Forgiveness of Sins (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Forgiveness of Sins is Section XXIX of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

This section treats forgiveness as a gift grounded in Christ's blood and administered in the life of the Church. Sadler discusses repentance, absolution, sacramental assurance, and the seriousness of sin.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "The transgression of the law of God." He further explains the section by saying, "Because its Baptism is for the remission of sins, its ministers are the ministers of reconciliation, and in its Eucharist we partake of the Blood shed for the remission of sins."

Theological Themes

• Forgiveness
• Repentance
• Absolution
• Sacramental assurance

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Acts 2:38
• Matthew 26:28
• 1 John 1:7
• Matthew 12:31-32
• John 20:22-23
• Psalm 32

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's exposition of the baptismal promise to believe the articles of the Christian faith. It is especially connected with the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the use of the creeds in Anglican public worship. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Apostles' Creed
• Nicene Creed
• Church Catechism
• Anglican Doctrine