The Importance of Confession - Devotional

GracetoYou.org ^ | 1997 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:10).

Confession is the first step toward defeating sin.

It is often true that the hardest part of dealing with a problem is admitting that you have one. Beginning with Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:11-13), people have denied responsibility for their sins, and our generation is no exception. To acknowledge that one is a sinner, guilty of breaking God’s holy law, is not popular. People call sin by a myriad of other names, futilely hoping to define it out of existence. They do so, motivated by their innate awareness that there is a moral law and that there are consequences for violating it (Rom. 1:32).

But God’s people have always recognized the necessity of confession. After committing the terrible sins of adultery and murder, David acknowledged to Nathan the prophet, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:13). Later he cried out to God, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight” (Ps. 51:3-4). Faced with a vision of the awesome majesty and holiness of God, Isaiah declared, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips” (Isa. 6:5). Daniel was a man of unparalleled integrity, yet part of his prayer life involved confessing his sin (Dan. 9:20). Peter, the acknowledged leader of the apostles, said to Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8). The apostle Paul, the godliest man who ever lived (except for Jesus Christ), wrote this about himself: “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all” (1 Tim. 1:15).

The examples of those godly men illustrate a fundamental biblical truth: constant confession of sin characterizes true Christians (1 John 1:9). Those who claim to be believers but refuse to confess their sins deceive themselves (1 John 1:8) and make God a liar (1 John 1:10).

Suggestions for Prayer

Confess and forsake your sins today, and experience the blessedness of God’s forgiveness (Prov. 28:13).

For Further Study

Read and meditate on Nehemiah’s masterful prayer of confession in Nehemiah 1.

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Paperpusher]

But God’s people have always recognized the necessity of confession. After committing the terrible sins of adultery and murder, David acknowledged to Nathan the prophet, “I have sinned against the Lord”

Yes, this is Old Testament Law. But it is not “good enough” for a New Testament Christian. Old Testament law is like guard rails on a road. If you weave all over the road, crossing yellow and white lines, you have not crossed the guard rails and are “Okay” under Old Testament law. Christ said Lusting after a Woman is committing Adultery, hating someone is committing murder. Do not cross the yellow line, never mind not hitting a guardrail. New Testament Law is written on the heart of a Christian. Any comments?

[Paperpusher]

Confession and repentance is still needed, but Christ has already provided the sacrifice.

[metmom]

Good analogy but honesty before God is critical and that means admitting to Him, confessing if you will, is imperative.

Not for salvation as the Christian is still saved in spite of sinning, but for fellowship with God and spiritual growth into Christlikeness.

And confession to one another is critical in restoring broken relationships here on earth and allowing for healing of those wounded to occur.

[Paperpusher]

Agree with you on your statement honesty before God is critical and that means admitting to Him, confessing if you will, is imperative.

Also Agree on your statement Not for salvation as the Christian is still saved in spite of sinning, but for fellowship with God and spiritual growth into Christlikeness.

Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

The biggest problem I see today is the reluctance for Christians to go to the brother (or sister) and tell them of a problem. Too many Christians collect the “ought” and become ought collectors. Through gossip, backbiting, misunderstanding and false witness, the ought may not even be there. Social media is great at spreading “oughts”.
I had a situation where I sent a text to a Brother in a hurry and left out a few important words. It could have ended in hurt feeling if he had not asked what I was saying. On rereading the text I realized what had happened apologized, and explained. He could have said nothing and collected the “ought”.