Godly Confession



If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

A couple of things are implied in this verse that need to be clarified:

1) Christ's work on the cross dealt with all sin - past, present and future. We do not need to confess our sins to reapply the blood of Christ or to be justified over and over.

2) Confession is equivalent to having our feet washed of the sin we accumulate daily. We have already been bathed and need only to wash our feet.

Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”  Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” - John 13:5-10

Notice:

• Godly confession cleanses. We recognize that we are clean (justified) and also need to be  washed. As we walk our feet get dirty.  Our sins, thoughts, worldly influences, sins of ignorance and omission stick to us daily.  The practice of godly confession is a way that God has created through the Holy Spirit to cleanse us of these influences, renew our minds, and encourage us in our walk.

• Godly confession is humble. We lay ourselves at His feet, not in public show, but in private communion (Matthew 6:6), often times not even attempting to form words (Romans 8:26) but seeking the Lord with all our heart. We should not tell God our solutions, excuses, or desires, but rather in quiet submission expose ourselves to Him and ask for mercy, grace and help. 

• Godly confession focuses our hearts on Christ.  Confession is part of preparing ourselves for worship and communion. (1 Corinthians 11:27-32)

• Godly confession is corporate.  When we confess to each other we are realizing our need of support. We need the support of our brothers and sisters, who as members of the body are knit together to love each other. Then we, when we are healed can be and encouragement to others. James 5:16 says:

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.