REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION

Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” 1John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Repentance involves a deep sense of remorse or regret for one’s actions, particularly those that are seen as wrong or sinful. It often includes a commitment to change one’s behavior and to turn away from wrongdoings. Recognition: Acknowledging that one has committed a wrong.

Remorse: Feeling genuine sorrow for the harm caused.

Resolution: Making a conscious decision to change and avoid repeating the offense.

Confession is something an individual does to admit to the guilt of sin. This can be done with a pastor or with God directly through prayers. Confession doesn’t forgive us of our sins. Confessing to a priest doesn’t forgive one of sin. A priest is only a man, who is himself a sinner. Only God can forgive sins.

Confession is an acknowledgement of having done something one shouldn’t have done.

Repentance is an attitude. It is a continuous attitude toward the thing repented of. One can confess and then do the thing again. Repentance is also a result of conviction that one’s actions or attitude is wrong and must stop or else there will be consequences. Repentance follows a specific conviction from God that he hates what we do or how we think or our attitude toward something.

The conviction comes from the Holy Spirit, not from man. Biblically, confession is the first step in the process of repentance. Confession is agreeing with God that what he calls is sin, truly is, especially as regards how you have sinned. Whenever we sin, our first sin is against God. So He is the first one we should confess our sin to.

We may also sin against others, so according to James 5:16 we should also confess our sin “one to another.” You have to deliberately think about the wrongs you have done one to God, to people, to family, to friends, you have to examine your conscience and admit that you did what you did, said, etc. of your own free will.

Then you should feel a deep sorrow come over you. You will become aware that your behaviour was being watched by God and you may feel suddenly afraid.

Questions:

1. What is the relationship between repentance and confession?
2. What can hinder people from repenting?

Victory Tips

1. It causes us to acknowledge before God that we know and take responsibility for our sin.
2. It proves that we are not trying to hide our sin from God, others, or ourselves. It humbles us.
3. It shows that we are asking for and relying on God’s strength to help us change.
4. It allows us to be continually healed.
5. And most importantly, confession and repentance sustain our loving relationship with God.

Prayers

1. Psalm 51:10. Oh Lord, create in me a new heart and renew the right spirit in me.
2. Psalm 51:12. Oh Lord, restore to me to the joy of Your salvation.