Confession
By Drew Wright
Why do we confess if our sins have been forgiven and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ? (Romans 8:1-2) This is a worthwhile question, especially if we strive to honor God with our thoughts and actions. In order to truly understand the purpose of confession we must start in the Old Testament. In Leviticus 16, God requires Aaron to lay hands on a goat and confess the sins of the Israelites so that the goat may carry away the burden of their sins for them.
“When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:20-22
In the Old Testament, we see confession as an act which led to forgiveness of sins, though it was something that had to be repeated as a means of renewing God's forgiveness.
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” Psalms 32:5
But in the New Testament the purpose of confession is changed because of the ultimate sacrifice made by Christ our Savior. His death—the total forgiveness of all who believe—marked the turning point in the role of confession in a believer's life.
This ultimate sacrifice is prophesied in Isaiah 53:4-6, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Like the goat in Leviticus, Jesus took sins upon himself. However, it was now Jesus’ atoning sacrifice that bridged the gap between God and sinful humanity. Now, when we confess our sins to God and to other believers, we are healed, purified, sanctified, and made right with our brothers and sisters in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
If you're reading this and feel confused as to what you can actually do to make this a practice in your walk with Jesus, then here are some things to think about:
God commands us to confess
“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:15-16
If we are to be children of God and to walk in the light we must be obedient to his commands. Obedience is closely connected to trust and respect. As we obey God we show Him reverence and faith in the process.
Confession transforms our hearts
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
Recently, I started confessing regularly to God and I have seen my attitude towards sin changing in the process. As I confess to God I have noticed that my conviction and desire to honor God has increased and that my awareness of sin has deepened.
Confessing to brothers and sisters in Christ aligns our hearts with God's will and encourages us in the faith
“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
When we confess to each other we sharpen one another and share in the journey of sanctification.
Following Jesus is not going to promise you comfort. It will require deep vulnerability and honesty with the Lord and with other believers. We should not hide ourselves from the light, but instead embrace the light of God and become like children of light. This means confessing to God so that He may know you as He is meant to, and confessing to other believers so they may hold you accountable and disciple you in faith. Take time this week to confess to the Lord and to your brothers and sisters in Christ.
REFLECTION
Have you experienced the power of confession?
Do you practice confession regularly as a way of deepening your relationship with God?
Do you confess to other believers? Why or why not?
Challenge: talk with a trusted friend or leader this week and confess something that you have struggled with to them. Ask them to pray with you that God would change your heart.