THE ACTS OF THE SPIRITUAL CHRISTIAN (CONFESSION)

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21).

✓ CONFESSION

The Biblical encyclopedia says that the radical meaning of confession is “acknowledgment”, “avowal” with the implication of a change of conviction or of course of conduct on the part of the subject. The two types of confession are “confession of faith” and “confession of sin”.

In this message I am talking of confessing of sin. The scripture says that Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4) and this is a transgression of God’s commandments.

✓ Acknowledgement

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me (Psalm 51:3).

When you sin and acknowledge the fact that you have sinned then it will be easy to confess it for it is written that For, I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin (Psalm 38:18). Adam did not acknowledge his sins for as it is written If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom (Job 31:33). He did not accept responsibility for his action but rather said to God The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat (Genesis 3:12) The spiritual Christian acknowledges and confesses his sins for he understands that He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Pray for your

•Present Sin

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest (Psalm 51:1-4).

• Past Sins

O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low (Psalm 79:8).

You need to turn to God for His sin-purging power through the precious blood of Jesus. Be of good cheer for God stands ready to forgive and forget your iniquities.

• Sins of the Youth

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD (Psalm 25:7).

As you dig deeper and sincerely into your heart you might be shocked to discover some unconfessed sins of your youth and as you remember them it is necessary to pray the above prayer and God will abundantly pardon you.

• Prays Against Future Sin

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression (Psalm 19:13).

I pray this prayer always for it is written Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation (Mathew 26:41a).

✓ The Importance of Confession

I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:5).

Confession brings Divine pardon and mercy