Augsburg Confession, Article 11
Of Confession.
Of Confession they teach that Private Absolution ought to be retained in the churches, although in confession an enumeration of all sins is not necessary. For it is impossible according to the Psalm: Who can understand his errors? Ps. 19, 12.
Scripture references for paragraph 1
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
Psalms 19:1-141The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
3Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard,
4their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.
5Like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course,
6it rises at one end of the heavens and runs its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.
7The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.
10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.
12Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
13Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.
14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalms 12:1-81Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.
2They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
3May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.
4They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”
5“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
6The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.
7You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation.
8The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men.
Source and edition
Augsburg Confession. F. Bente and W. H. T. Dau, Concordia Triglotta, 1921. F. Bente and W. H. T. Dau, Concordia Triglotta, 1921
Public Domain (historic text). Source transcription.
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