Confessing sins is a major doctrine of the Catholic Church. But is it for all Christians? Do we have to confess sin daily? Aren't we already a "new creation in Christ?" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Yes we are, but confessing sin or repentance is not a one time event that takes place as confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior. Confession is throughout the Bible and we shall look at the verses and the reasons for the practice.
Confession or repentance really means "to turn from and desist." It is not a sorry or apology, it is a shift of purpose. Sin in Greek means, "missing the mark." Though we are new Creations in Christ we miss the mark everyday. We fall short sometimes because while we are alive in Christ "the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." (Galatians 5:17). Let us look at the first major scripture on confession. The Scripture says, "If we are faithful to confess our sins, He is faithful and able to forgive." (1 John 1:9). We then are told that we can forgive too, and Jesus said, "if you do not forgive others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive you." (Matthew 6:15). So what does this mean? Does it still stand after Jesus Christ's Crucifixion and Resurrection and after we are saved? The answer is yes. We may be "dead to sin," (Romans 6:11) but sin still reigns in our flesh: body, mind, and emotions. There is still the old tendencies, though the Truth dwells inside us.
Confession goes two ways, firstly it is to examine ourselves before God and ask "is there anything coming between you O Lord and me?" (Pastor Doug). Has my will gotten in the way or a lie I have chosen to believe or deliberate rebellion? The Lord responds and you can be forgiven and healed. Secondly, confession releases the person who has sinned and it allows for accountability. Accountability is sadly lacking in the church. There are many people walking around with sins, secrets, and pain. They need to confess it, be forgiven by God and others. It says in Scriptures, "confess your sins to one another." (James 5:16). This is the scripture the Catholic Church took very literally, and I actually agree with them on it.
Confessing sin frees the soul from the sores and scars that are caused when sin is allowed to fester. But to truly follow through in repentance, one must "turn from their sin" and do as Jesus said, "And sin no more." (John 8:11). Too many get accustom to confessing and then continuing in sin. This is not productive to the spirit and should not be! For the Scripture clearly says, "For are we to sin all the more because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness." (Romans 6:15).
On the opposite side of the pendulum, confession can be chronic. People can get so obsessed with their sins and if they are keeping a good score card that they are confessing all the time and worried over sin every second. This is destructive, because we are "new creation in Christ," and "born again." (2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:5). If we become obsessed with confession and looking for sin, we become selfish, because now you are focused on self. The goal is to let the Holy Spirit guide you on what to confess and when and to who. Remember to not, "give what is sacred to dogs or caste your pearls before the swine." (Matthew 7:6). Who you confess to besides Jesus Christ should be a trusted counselor and confidant.
Our battle against the sinful nature shall end when we leave this life and got be in Life with Jesus Christ. Our struggle is against this flesh and old man that seeks to make slaves of us again. Each day and moment we can choose to be Christ like or worldly. So choose each day to confess and let Christ help you work on those areas that have yet to submit to Him.
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