Confession
The subject of confession is one that is often times overlooked. Failure to give the subject the proper attention will make for a weaker Christian. Let us notice two aspects of confession and enhance our understanding on the subject. First and foremost we need to notice the place that confession has in the plan of salvation. It is important to know that each of the requisite parts of the plan of salvation is connected to being saved. Belief and baptism are connected with salvation in Mark 16:16; “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Repentance is connected to salvation in Second Corinthians 7:10; “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” So it should not surprise us that the apostle Paul connects confession to salvation in Romans 10:10; “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” So having been connected to salvation it naturally follows that we should be able to see the role of confession in the book of Acts and we do in Acts 8:37; “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” The conclusion one must draw from these passages is clear; one must confess their faith in Jesus Christ in order to be saved. Never underestimate the importance of any of the steps in God’s plan. Next we must notice the role of confession in the life of the Christian. It is inevitable that the Christian, being a finite being, will sin. When sin occurs it is necessary for one to confess their sins in order for them to be forgiven. John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (First John 1:9) James tells us that we should confess our faults one to another in James 5:16; “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Confession is a vital part of the life of any Christian. Jesus said in the long ago; “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) Being a part of the church means that we recognize our dependence on God and this will prompt us to confess our sins and seek His forgiveness. The old proverb that says “confession is good for the soul” may not be Biblical in origin but our confession to God is good for our souls. May we all humble ourselves before God and realize the importance of confession. -Pete Ward Comments are closed.
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