Last week we introduced confession and, after testing it, added it to our growing list of spiritual disciplines. Not as well known as some of the other disciplines such as Bible reading, prayer, and worship, there is much about this discipline of which we are unaware.
1. CONFESSION IS TO BE MADE TO GOD
God is the Lawgiver. When we sin, we break His laws. So, it is God to whom we must confess. Even our sins against others are ultimately sins against Him (Psalm 51:4).
2. CHRIST IS THE BASIS FOR GOD’S FORGIVENESS
God’s forgiveness is offered to us solely on the ground of the death of His Son (Matthew 26:28).
So, we see that the confession of our sin is necessary to receive God’s forgiveness, and that forgiveness is only possible if we also confess Christ.
3. CONFESSION PRODUCES FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION
God pardons our iniquity, passes over our transgression, and “casts all our sin into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18-19). He is wonderfully, abundantly merciful.
When we confess our sins, God forgives us and purifies us from our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
4. CONFESSION ENABLES US TO PROSPER
In Proverbs 28:13 we read this principle to live by, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
5. CONFESSION SHOULD BE MADE TO THOSE YOU SIN AGAINST
The Bible teaches that we are to live in community, and it places great importance on maintaining right relationships with others. It also teaches that without these right relationships; it is impossible for us to have a right relationship with God (Numbers 5:5-7).
Confessing our sins against others is required by Scripture (Matthew 5:23-24). This, of course, includes our Christian brothers and sisters but is not limited to them alone.
6. CONFESSION CAN OVERCOME RELATIONAL BARRIERS
Confessing our sins against one another, to one another, should serve to restore a right relationship between those involved.
7. CONFESSION CAN COMMEND THE GOSPEL
Confession gives credibility to the gospel. Because it is an unusual act, the confessing of sins against another is a powerful testimony of the transforming power of Christ in your life.
8. CONFESSING SIN TO OTHERS CAN COUNTER YOUR FEAR OF REJECTION
We’re all a bit afraid to put ourselves out there. We fear that if people knew about our sin, they would reject us. They might even kick us out of church.
The truth is, however, that the shame and humility demonstrated by your confession shows your desire to grow in obedience to Christ.
9. CONFESSING SIN TO OTHERS CAN HELP US OVERCOME SIN
Hiding our sins prevents our Christian brothers and sisters from caring for us. When we refuse to confess our sins, we limit their ability to pray for us because they won’t be aware of the spiritual battle we are experiencing. Our confession enables other Christians to intercede on our behalf.
10. CONFESS SINS CORPORATELY
Upon Baptism
In a Christian baptism, the one being baptized makes a public confession of their sins, professes faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior, and pledges to attempt to follow Him as Lord (Mark 1:4-5).
In Congregations Prayers of Confession
During corporate worship, collectively confess to God and to one another, sins of commission and omission. Confess sins against God, against your Christian brothers and sisters, and against others as well.
By participating in corporate prayers of confession we are regularly reminded that we are all sinners dependent on God’s mercy in Jesus Christ. And even though the sin being confessed is not one we personally struggle with, this act helps remind us of the battles being fought by others in our church family and helps us better pray for them (Ephesians 6:17).
If/When Disciplined
Here we are talking about church discipline for willful, persistent sin. Acknowledgement of this type of sin – a public offense against the church – is necessary for moving toward forgiveness of the offender. It is also necessary for restoration to the church. No doubt this type of confession will be painful. However, it does bring blessing to the repentant individual and to the church as right relationships are restored, and it brings glory to a gracious, compassionate, merciful God.
To an Accountability Partner
This type of confession is made to one or more Christian brothers or sisters whom you have not sinned against (James 5:16).
Such confession is not easy. We fear letting others see our struggles. Humility contends with pride. But this type of confession is a powerful tool for overcoming repeated, stubborn sins. Also, confessing sins to an accountability partner can result in reciprocal confession and deeper friendship.
If confession as a spiritual discipline is new to you, you might want to check out Capitol Hill Baptist Church’s core seminar on the topic. Much that I have learned as come from there.
