I have observed the various "absolutions" in different sacramental traditions. And although the liturgies are similar to ours as Lutherans, there is a yuuuuge difference.
The word "may."
The Lutheran Absolution is clear: Your sins *are* forgiven.
But other sacramental traditions, in their "absolution", say "May God forgive your sins and bring you to eternal life."
This is no small difference.
We sinners need assurance. Comfort. Certainty.
Imagine telling someone who cannot find their child that the police and search party "may" have found them.
Is that comforting?
No.
We sinners need to know for *certain* that our sins *are* forgiven.
Lutheranism alone has this pure Gospel.
