Subscription Lists

Simply confessing a sin does not necessarily mean we have repented of that sin.

There are many who confess their sins in order to clear their conscience of guilt feelings. Confession clears the mind of the sin, but unless there is honest commitment to turn from the sin in genuine repentance, and to never commit that sin again, our confession may not be genuine.

There is a subtle self deception which we can inflict upon ourselves regarding confession of sins. Honest confession of our sin cannot become unacceptable to God unless it carries with it something that we have already done. We must have already repented of that which we are confessing.

Every true Christian strives to do right in the sight of God and man. Although impossible to be right before God in the flesh, we are to acknowledge our unrighteousness before God in repentance, and then we are considered righteous in His sight.

Confession of our sins carries with it the implied reality that we have, in addition to our confession, repented of our sin, and the honest intention not to sin again.

If confession does not carry a prior repentance, which is a genuine turning away from our sin, then our confession is simply a way to smooth over our guilt feelings without the honest intention to sin no more.

If our intention not to sin again is genuine, Jesus applies his blood to blot our the sin we have honestly turned from and confessed, and we are then cleansed of that sin, and are now "righteous" in the sight of God. God cleanses us of all unrighteousness.

The only thing that will make our confession acceptable in God's sight is that it is accompanied with genuine repentance and commitment to never commit that sin again. Yes, we may sin again - even the same sins - but if we are honestly intending in faith not to sin again, which is our repentance, our confession is accepted by God, and our sin forgiven.

It is repentance with confession that sets us right with God, and gives us a clear conscience and peace of mind. Genuine repentance, with honest confession, will enable us not to commit that sin again. Confession over and over of the same sin or sins can indicate that sin was never honestly repented of.

We may sin the same sin again and again, and receive forgiveness. But at some point, lack of overcoming that sin may reveal an original lack of genuine repentance. So ask Jesus to give you a true repentance as you give an honest confession. Then you are a genuine overcomer!

"They listened to Him, and then they began going out, conscience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before Him in the center of the court. When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more." - John 8:9-11 (AMP)

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Washed by the Water of the Word