J
First off, I would highly recommend speaking to your pastor about what he said and asking for some clarification.
The general issue here is that of unrepentance. Jesus is very clear, that the apostles (and thus pastors) are to bind the sins of those who are not repentant (John 20:22-23, Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:15-20). This is why when we confess our sin we confess not only those sins we know, but also those which we do not know.
It is because we hear absolution, that we receive the Lord’s Supper, that we can be certain of our salvation. However unrepentance is when one is confronted with their sin and still clings to it. When the clear Word of God speaks and a person responds “well I disagree,” this is simply the response not of faith, but rebellion. In such cases, the Church has an obligation to continue to shed the light of God’s Word on such sin that by the power of the Holy Spirit, the person may repent and receive forgiveness.
Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
(Psalm 19:12 ESV)
Matthew Lorfeld, Pastor
Messiah Lutheran Church
La Crescent, MN
http://www.messiahlacrescent.org
