Big Words of the Bible - Confession

TJ Addington‘s Weekday Devos Podcast

Scriptures are clear that while our sin is paid for by Christ’s death and that He justifies us in the sight of God, regular confession of our sin is part of our journey toward greater Christ-likeness. In fact, the confession of our sin is tied to our commitment to walk in the light as Christ is in the light.

In 1 John 1:5-10 we read this: "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 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. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”

Walking in the light is a commitment we make when we make Christ Lord of our lives. But until we see Christ face to face, we will do this imperfectly and that means that the regular confession of sin is also a part of our lives. The wonderful promise in these verses is that “If we confess (and admit) our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Our sin should make us sad but His forgiveness and purifying should make us glad.

Confession is tied to walking in the light because it sensitizes us to areas of our lower nature where we are vulnerable to sin. The more often we ask for forgiveness when we know we have stepped out of God’s will, the more sensitive we will be to not repeating the behavior. For instance, if I struggle with anger or impatience and find myself being sharp and unloving with other people, the fact that I need to ask for God’s forgiveness in that area of my life becomes a reminder to watch my attitude and impatience when I feel it coming on.

Confession is not about living in shame. Jesus came to release us from our shame. It is actually about living in the light and in His freedom. My willingness to acknowledge the areas of darkness in my life and give them to God becomes a reminder of my need for Him and for His Holy Spirit to be working in my life every day.

I love many of the prayers of the church related to confession. They remind me of my own sinfulness and of God’s goodness.

I close with this prayer, a favorite of mine and a great reminder of my need for Him. ‘Most merciful God, I confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as Myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.’