Recently, I have been learning how much power is actually in confession. God has been relieving a lot to me and there are situations even in my own life that He has been bring to the surface. Man is God faithful in those hard conversations though. There are three steps to confession though. There’s the conviction of the Holy Spirit, confession from the heart and mouth, and change to be more like Jesus. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Have you ever told a lie, a lie that was big enough to make you feel so guilty that it just piled up over time and all you wanted to do was explode? Or sinned in such a way that that you felt like you needed to tell someone or you were going to go crazy? I know I have felt that before. For Christians we would call this conviction from the Holy Spirit. So, does conviction then lead to confession? Well, in my opinion, yes, it does. “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”- 2 Timothy 2:19
Yet, why is there a need for confession? First of all there is a release, Satan loses a foothold. The chains that held you such as lying, cheating, greed, or lush fall. Confession is the key to freedom. When we confess a weight is lifted off, the chains of sin don’t possess power over you when you voice your need for the father and confess that you need him.
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
What is confession? By definition confession is “saying what you believe” or “to tell your sins to someone”. The bible says if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart the God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. There is so much power in confession that our very life’s that are destined for hell can do a one eighty and completely change where we spend eternity.
To whom do we confess? Well there are many different people we confess to. There’s confession to others, whether it be because you sinned against them or just need to voice the confession. Or there is confession to God, this one is the most important one. When we confess to God we voice the fact that we are humans, sinners, and that we need His forgiveness in your lives. “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Now, how to move on after confessing? The first step it to keep your eyes focused on God. If you constantly keep looking back at your past you can’t see what God is trying to do in your future. Always keep looking ahead. “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 5:16 There is no use in looking back unless you are bringing glory to God through your testimony. Don’t dwell on the past though, this can lead to unhealthy thoughts and or decisions. Once you confess, you are forgiven and the Lord is calling you to change. This doesn’t mean there won’t be temptation but God calls us to a higher place and calls us to die to our flesh and say no. This is where the change comes in. Constant change, confessing, forgiveness, and striving to be more like Christ is what we are called to do. This is how we become more like Christ. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and[a] knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out. “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. – Romans 11:33-36
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed:” – Daniel 9:4a
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:12
Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” – 2 Corinthians 9:13
Full chapters: Psalm 51, Psalm 32, Romans 10
