10 Reasons Sin Confession Is Questionable!!!

[joaniemarie]

False humility. A "healthy/pure conscience" is the result of confessing our sin(s) with a sorrowful and contrite heart ... and not in believing that "we're good to go" by simply "acknowledging". BTW ... what's the difference in confessing and acknowledgement ? And why would one acknowledge and at the same time not bother confessing or asking for forgiveness ? Does God frown on us or are we pestering Him when we come to Him for forgiveness for a transgression after we've been redeemed ? The psalms are full of sorrowful pleas for forgiveness ... by believers. "they aren't seeking forgiveness but transparency unto victory" >>>>> What is that supposed to mean ? God doesn't want or expect believers to confess our sins because we're already saved ? He's fine with us saying ... Yeah .. I blew it again Lord but I know you're cool with it because I acknowledged it ? Complete nonsense bordering on arrogance ... if not already submersed in it. "God's grace (and forgiveness) won't lead somebody to a seared conscience" .... you're right ... it won't ... because if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. I don't feel condemned for this very reason.

Being confident is what we need as believers to walk "circumspectly" in this world. We have to not only believe that we are 100% in God's sights forgiven and loved unconditionally., we have to KNOW it as our claim for life in Christ now.

Being confident of this very thing... He who has begun a good work in your will perform it.... Faith is being CONFIDENT in the One we have faith in for what HE did... not on our ability to be worthy by what we do. We can no longer worry about being worthy because IN Christ we ARE.

This is the CONFIDENCE we need to have victory. It's not found in us but in Jesus.

[SUP]3 [/SUP]I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in [SUP][a][/SUP]the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, [SUP][b][/SUP]yes, eternal life.
[SUP]
14 [/SUP]AND THIS IS THE CONFIDENCE the assurance, the privilege of BOLDNESS) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.
[SUP]
15 [/SUP]And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.


The only reason we can come and must come and do it boldly is because of Jesus. We come to find grace and help in time of need. We do not come to become righteous again. We ARE already righteous IN Christ now. We stand on the solid Rock who is Christ Jesus.

For myself, I know that I've already confessed my sin and He was faithful and just to His promises that in Christ I'm forgiven and my sins are now and forever more as far as the east is from the west. Never to be brought up before me because now I'm a new creation in Christ. Old things have passed away... His seed remains in us. 2 Cor.5:17


[SUP]

16 [/SUP]Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].
[SUP]


17 [/SUP]Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
[SUP]

18 [/SUP]But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].
[SUP]

19 [/SUP]It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).

 

[JGIG]

Strong's G3341 - metanoia - μετάνοια

1. a change of mind, as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done​

Strong's G3340 - metanoeō - μετανοέω

​

1. to change one's mind, i.e. to repent
2. to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins
   "Repentance (metanoia, 'change of mind') involves a turning with contrition from sin to God; the repentant sinner is in the proper condition to accept the divine forgiveness." (F. F. Bruce. The Acts of the Apostles[Greek Text Commentary], London: Tyndale, 1952, p. 97.)​

But that is not all that it means, and Angela was perfectly correct in pointing that out.

You have failed to examine the term "repentance" as it applies in Scripture, and it means FAR MORE that merely a change of mind. But the Hyper-Grace false teachers simply IGNORE repentance, let alone present it faithfully as revealed in Scripture.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3340: μετανοέω

... to change one's mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins...

...used especially of those who, conscious of their sins and with manifest tokens of sorrow, are intent; on obtaining God's pardon...

... conduct worthy of a heart changed and abhorring sin...

...to withdraw or turn one's soul from...

...to feel sorry that one has done this or that...of having offended someone...

In Scripture repentance means a TOTAL TURNAROUND for sinners -- a turning from sins and idols to a turning to God and Christ. Which is far more than a mere "change of mind". Lexical meanings can only go so far. Once must study the Word to see that repentance is a 180 degree change in the heart, mind, soul, motives, desires, and direction of life. The conversion and repentance of Saul of Tarsus to the apostle Paul is an excellent example.

In the Bible, 'repent' is often paired with the phrase 'and turn' or 'be converted'. Two separate things - one is the change of mind and heart that allows for the turning to or from something or someone. It really is no more complicated than that. You are adding meaning to the Greek word that appears and is translated as 'repent'.

IF your added-to construction is accurate, then you would have to say that when God repented (Gen. 6:6 and Ex 32:14), that He had to turn away from idols and turn to Himself. Even the OT definition translated as 'repent' speaks only of a change of mind/heart/regret and even has an element of comfort:

Strong's H5162 - nacham נָחַם

to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted

1. (Niphal)
   1. to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion
   2. to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent
   3. to comfort oneself, be comforted
   4. to comfort oneself, ease oneself
2. (Piel) to comfort, console
3. (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled
4. (Hithpael)
   1. to be sorry, have compassion
   2. to rue, repent of
   3. to comfort oneself, be comforted
   4. to ease oneself

So if we're going to talk about how 'repent' applies in Scripture, we must be consistent. The meaning is consistent; context is consistent - for both God and man. 'Turn' is a different word, with a different meaning, and is in addition to/often a result of one's repentance.

I don't know why that is so hard to grasp.


-JGIG

 

[BenFTW]

False humility. A "healthy/pure conscience" is the result of confessing our sin(s) with a sorrowful and contrite heart ... and not in believing that "we're good to go" by simply "acknowledging". BTW ... what's the difference in confessing and acknowledgement ? And why would one acknowledge and at the same time not bother confessing or asking for forgiveness ? Does God frown on us or are we pestering Him when we come to Him for forgiveness for a transgression after we've been redeemed ? The psalms are full of sorrowful pleas for forgiveness ... by believers. "they aren't seeking forgiveness but transparency unto victory" >>>>> What is that supposed to mean ? God doesn't want or expect believers to confess our sins because we're already saved ? He's fine with us saying ... Yeah .. I blew it again Lord but I know you're cool with it because I acknowledged it ? Complete nonsense bordering on arrogance ... if not already submersed in it. "God's grace (and forgiveness) won't lead somebody to a seared conscience" .... you're right ... it won't ... because if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. I don't feel condemned for this very reason.

If it is true that our sins are forgiven by the Father for Christ's sake, then what request for forgiveness is to be made? It is redundant, to seek forgiveness when the blood of Christ has been shed already. We come to him boldly, not arrogantly, but also humbly with a heart of gratitude. We do fess up to our sins (transparency) because we wish to ask the Lord for deliverance in such areas of struggle. This we do not do to earn forgiveness or obtain it.

If there is even one sin that isn't forgiven in the Christian life that separates them from God, Jesus failed in His mission. He would have to get back up on the cross (something scripture says He won't do). The Gospel is a message of reconciliation, and if we must seek forgiveness from sin then we are not yet reconciled. There remains a barrier. Praise God, however, that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient and this isn't the case. We are forgiven, reconciled, and redeemed. Our sins not held against us and God being faithful to sanctify us.

 

[UnderGrace]

Redundant, yes that is a good word to use.

If it is true that our sins are forgiven by the Father for Christ's sake, then what request for forgiveness is to be made? It is redundant, to seek forgiveness when the blood of Christ has been shed already. We come to him boldly, not arrogantly, but also humbly with a heart of gratitude. We do fess up to our sins (transparency) because we wish to ask the Lord for deliverance in such areas of struggle. This we do not do to earn forgiveness or obtain it.

If there is even one sin that isn't forgiven in the Christian life that separates them from God, Jesus failed in His mission. He would have to get back up on the cross (something scripture says He won't do). The Gospel is a message of reconciliation, and if we must seek forgiveness from sin then we are not yet reconciled. There remains a barrier. Praise God, however, that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient and this isn't the case. We are forgiven, reconciled, and redeemed. Our sins not held against us and God being faithful to sanctify us.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

If there is even one sin that isn't forgiven in the Christian life that separates them from God, Jesus failed in His mission. He would have to get back up on the cross (something scripture says He won't do). The Gospel is a message of reconciliation, and if we must seek forgiveness from sin then we are not yet reconciled. There remains a barrier. Praise God, however, that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient and this isn't the case. We are forgiven, reconciled, and redeemed. Our sins not held against us and God being faithful to sanctify us.

If there's sin that you continually ignore such that it sears your conscience to the point that you don't listen to it anymore and subsequently fall away from the faith, then Jesus didn't fail in his mission.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

If there's sin that you continually ignore such that it sears your conscience to the point that you don't listen to it anymore and subsequently fall away from the faith, then Jesus didn't fail in his mission.

This puts us under law not under grace.

John said a believer who has been born of God can not continue in sin, so why you people keep thinking they can is beyond me.

 

[BillG]

If there's sin that you continually ignore such that it sears your conscience to the point that you don't listen to it anymore and subsequently fall away from the faith, then Jesus didn't fail in his mission.

Is there a difference between sin that is continually ignored or a sin trait that someone struggles to overcome.

Note "struggles to overcome"

 

[Johnny_B]

But that is not all that it means, and Angela was perfectly correct in pointing that out.

You have failed to examine the term "repentance" as it applies in Scripture, and it means FAR MORE that merely a change of mind. But the Hyper-Grace false teachers simply IGNORE repentance, let alone present it faithfully as revealed in Scripture.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3340: μετανοέω

... to change one's mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins...

...used especially of those who, conscious of their sins and with manifest tokens of sorrow, are intent; on obtaining God's pardon...

... conduct worthy of a heart changed and abhorring sin...

...to withdraw or turn one's soul from...

...to feel sorry that one has done this or that...of having offended someone...

In Scripture repentance means a TOTAL TURNAROUND for sinners -- a turning from sins and idols to a turning to God and Christ. Which is far more than a mere "change of mind". Lexical meanings can only go so far. Once must study the Word to see that repentance is a 180 degree change in the heart, mind, soul, motives, desires, and direction of life. The conversion and repentance of Saul of Tarsus to the apostle Paul is an excellent example.

N6 as you mentioned there is more then one meaning to the word repentance, as well there are four Greek words that are translated repentance.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of the New Testament.

A. Verb. 1.​ "metanoeō"​ lit., to perceive afterwardsl(meta, after, implying change, noeō, to perceive; nous, the mind, the seat of moral reflection), in contrast to pronoeō, to perceive beforehand, hence signifies to change one's mind or purpose, always, in the N.T., involving a change for the better, anendment.

2. "metameloai" meta, as in No. 1, and melō, to care for, is used in the Passive Voice with Middle Voice sense, sighifying to regret, to repent oneself.

B. Adjective. "ametamelētos" not repent of, unregretted (a, negative, and a verbal adjective of A, No. 2), signifies ' without change of purpose; ' it is said (a​) of God in regard ti his "gifts and calling," Romans 11:29.

C. Noun. "metanoia" after-thought, change of mind, repentance, repentance corresponds in meaning to A, No. 1, and is used of repentance from sin or evil, except in Hebrews 12:17.

Hope that helps.

 

[BillG]

Let's look at it this way. See if you agree with this.

Forgiveness of all sin so that we don't ever incur GOD's wrath occurred at the cross. That is covered when we are baptized into Christ. Those who remain in Christ are safe, just as those in Egypt who remained in their blood protected houses were safe from the death angel.

Forgiveness of sins we might commit after that point do not cause us to incur GOD's wrath, but they do impact us. The forgiveness is there and waiting, but we have to turn away from our sin and acknowledge it to receive that forgiveness.

So you are saying that forgiveness of sins is only covered when one is baptised into Jesus.
Is that water baptism?
If so what sins are forgiven?

 

[BenFTW]

So you are saying that forgiveness of sins is only covered when one is baptised into Jesus.
Is that water baptism?
If so what sins are forgiven?

He believes that the blood of Jesus Christ (i.e; your forgiveness) isn't applied to your sin as a believer until you confess your sin and repent of that sin. Meaning forgiveness, as he said, is there but "waiting." I don't see how he can justify this belief that we receive God's forgiveness when we first repent and "we don't ever incur God's wrath" (his words), but then forgiveness is dependent upon sin confession for forgiveness and repentance (after our first repentance, and yet we still do not incur His wrath).

What forgiveness then is being sought?

 

[Metternich]

Confess to the high priest

​Therefore, [because we] have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is not able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but who has been tempted in all [things] in the same way, without sin. Therefore let us approach with confidence to the throne of grace, in order that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16​

But the high priest himself in John 20:21-23 authorizes the apostles to forgive sins.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

So you are saying that forgiveness of sins is only covered when one is baptised into Jesus.
Is that water baptism?
If so what sins are forgiven?

That's the way I read it. What sins are forgiven? All.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

But the high priest himself in John 20:21-23 authorizes the apostles to forgive sins.

Now you're going in circles.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

He believes that the blood of Jesus Christ (i.e; your forgiveness) isn't applied to your sin as a believer until you confess your sin and repent of that sin. Meaning forgiveness, as he said, is there but "waiting." I don't see how he can justify this belief that we receive God's forgiveness when we first repent and "we don't ever incur God's wrath" (his words), but then forgiveness is dependent upon sin confession for forgiveness and repentance (after our first repentance, and yet we still do not incur His wrath).

What forgiveness then is being sought?

Actually Ben I believe a person's sins are completely forgiven when a person is baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. That IMO is when a person enters into covenant with GOD and is circumcised in the heart. Then all he has to do is remain in Christ until the end. Sin caused by walking outside of Christ needs to be forsaken and a return to Christ be made.

 

[BillG]

That's the way I read it. What sins are forgiven? All.

So water baptism saves?
If one is not water baptised then they are not saved?

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Actually Ben I believe a person's sins are completely forgiven when a person is baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. That IMO is when a person enters into covenant with GOD and is circumcised in the heart. Then all he has to do is remain in Christ until the end. Sin caused by walking outside of Christ needs to be forsaken and a return to Christ be made.

so we are saved when we earn if by the work of baptism? Not when we place our faith in Christ.

Nice..

 

[BenFTW]

Actually Ben I believe a person's sins are completely forgiven when a person is baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. That IMO is when a person enters into covenant with GOD and is circumcised in the heart. Then all he has to do is remain in Christ until the end. Sin caused by walking outside of Christ needs to be forsaken and a return to Christ be made.

So when a person sins, they are outside of Christ (condemned) but once they confess and repent they are back in Christ (saved)? Am I understanding you correctly?

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

Is there a difference between sin that is continually ignored or a sin trait that someone struggles to overcome.

Note "struggles to overcome"

A person who is struggling to overcome sin is doing GOD's will. A person ignoring sin isn't IMO.

 

[BillG]

Actually Ben I believe a person's sins are completely forgiven when a person is baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. That IMO is when a person enters into covenant with GOD and is circumcised in the heart. Then all he has to do is remain in Christ until the end. Sin caused by walking outside of Christ needs to be forsaken and a return to Christ be made.

Jesus said that he must go to the Father so they the Holy Spirit must come to convict the world of its sin.

That sin is unbelief in him.
So a person who repents of that has now placed their faith in him.

But you seem to be saying that repentance of unbelief is not credited to the believer until they are baptised.
That being the case if they die before that then they are not actually saved?

 

[BillG]

A person who is struggling to overcome sin is doing GOD's will. A person ignoring sin isn't IMO.

Glad you clarified that.

But is it possible for a person to ignore sin and still be saved?
Is David an example of such a person?