Some Aspects Of Confession
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesPersonal or public sin is never easy to confess because of pride or ego — but it is necessary in order to get our lives right with God (Isaiah 59:1-15). The following are some aspects of confession that we may or may not have thought of:
Confessing sin necessarily constitutes personal action — It’s not difficult to say, “We all sin” or “he sinned” — the hard part is when we personally must say, “I have sinned” (1 Samuel 15:24; Psalm 51:4). When the known sin pertains to the individual, personal confession is demanded. Notice David’s confession in Psalm 51 when he says, “my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1 NKJV), “my iniquity” (Psalm 51:2), “my sin” (Psalm 51:2-3).
Confession of sin is specific — To say, “If I have done anything” is easy — but it simply is not confession of specific sin. An individual who is unsure whether he has sinned or not, should find out. Until he knows and admits his sin, he can make no real confession. Any “if” confessions are a farce. The one confessing must say, “I have sinned” — no doubt about it. David was definite — “my sin is ever before me” (Psalm 51:3) — and he knew what specific sin it was that needed confessing.
Confession names sin — Often sin is renamed; and the crime reduced. This is a common practice in civil law. The criminal is allowed to admit a misdemeanor rather than the felony he actually committed. However, this tactic is not allowed in God’s court. We cannot confess to “hurting someone’s feelings” when we have actually slandered a man. The idea of “accidentally” misrepresenting the facts or “exaggerating” will not be adequate when in fact we lied. Confession names sin (1 Samuel 15:24-25).
Confession addresses the one who has been sinned against — Acceptable confession occurs when the individual who lies, goes to the man he injured and says, “I lied about you” — that is true confession. A dozen times down the church aisle would be easier, but it is not acceptable. Confessing to the church will not replace it.
David knew this principle when he stated to God, “Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight” (Psalm 51:4). If an individual has sinned against God; he must confess to God. He may need to confess his sin to the church, but not before he confesses it to God.
If an individual sins a public sin against the congregation where he is a member, and he moves to another congregation, he cannot properly confess his sin at the new congregation. He must return to his former congregation where the sin took place, and ask for the forgiveness of that sin.
Confession of sin anticipates a plea for forgiveness — A man may admit his meanness — in fact, he may even be proud of it. This is not the Bible brand of confession. A man who seeks no pardon is not confessing sin. Again, notice the confession of David — “Have mercy upon me, O God …. Blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1).
Confession is good for the soul — Because eternity is in view (Matthew 16:24-27), but for many, true confession becomes extremely difficult because of pride and ego.
When we willingly confess our sins before the Lord, He is always eager and ready to forgive us of our sins (Psalm 32:5; Psalm 86:5; Proverbs 28:13; cf. Luke 15:11-24; 1 John 1:9).
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