Note: The function of confession and absolution is to apply the Gospel to individuals. The function of the Gospel is to ‘proclaim, offer, and set before’ people the forgiveness of sins merited for us by Christ. And note in passing that private confession and absolution is a Lutheran practice, too.

Quote:
“Thus the Gospel proclaims, offers, and sets before contrite and terrified conscience the grace of God, reconciliation and remission of sins freely on account of the merit of Christ; and it is His will that everyone should lay hold of and apply this benefit of the Mediator to himself. The ministry of private absolution applies this general promise of the Gospel to the penitent individually, in order that faith may be able to state all the more firmly that the benefits of the passion of Christ are certainly given and applied to it.”

Source: Chemnitz, Martin. Examination of the Council of Trent. Part II. Fred Kramer, tr. St. Louis: Concordia, 1978, pages 556-557.