“Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ — and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.” (Psalm 32:5)
In Scripture, the word confession is composed of two Greek words: “Homo”, meaning “the same”, and “logeo”, meaning “to speak”. Therefore, confessing your sin to God means saying the same thing about it as He does. It means calling a spade a spade — not a gardening tool! Nowhere does the Bible refer to our sins as mistakes, bad judgements, and slips. However, it clearly says God forgives our sin: “I … am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). So, let’s be clear.
Sinning is by thought, word, and deed. Ouch! And, it’s a daily exercise, maybe many times a day. Ouch!
So, with all the evil people in the world, what is it I confess?
- Confessing isn’t about apologizing. Saying you’re sorry is appropriate and necessary at times. But you could never be sorry enough to deserve or earn God’s forgiveness. Confessing is agreeing with God about the nature, extent, and offensiveness of your transgressions.
- Confessing isn’t about feelings. Some of us plunge into remorse, guilt, and depression over our sins. And when such feelings lead to confession, that’s good. But even when we don’t feel these emotions, our confession is just as genuine and effective.
- Confessing isn’t complaining. Making a laundry list of your sins and telling God how terrible you are is more akin to complaining than confessing. Coming clean with God and agreeing with His evaluation of your sin is what He wants from you. Then, like David, you can say, “I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt … And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” So, confess your sins to God — then start acting like someone who has been forgiven!
Remember that you have a sinful nature that is always under assault by Satan. We are a work in progress until we draw our last breath. But know that the Holy Spirit is always breathing new life into you to freshen your life, reminding you of the work of Jesus: Incarnation, inclusion all, interceding, investing, intering; birth, life, death, resurrection! PAID IN FULL!
Now, we pause and ask:
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have sinned Lord, thank You for Your grace and forgiveness so I can move on serving You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
