Sin Confession: A Waste of Breath?
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It is not a stumbling block. Examine the catholic church they have been doing this for centuries
What is a stumbling block is to believe that Jesus loves us so much that He paid the debt for all our sins.
And when we stop relying on our own self-effort and change our mind that He did it all and we believe He paid the price in full and become born again, then we can learn to awake to His Righteousness within us and He will teach us to put away all ungodliness
Salvation is not based upon our behavior change, it is based upon the object of our faith, and the object of our faith is Jesus.
When we change it is because of His work in our life, this is the life lived under grace not the law.
It is an inward spiritual life change that can be evidenced outwardly.
What is a stumbling block is to believe that Jesus loves us so much that He paid the debt for all our sins.
And when we stop relying on our own self-effort and change our mind that He did it all and we believe He paid the price in full and become born again, then we can learn to awake to His Righteousness within us and He will teach us to put away all ungodliness
Salvation is not based upon our behavior change, it is based upon the object of our faith, and the object of our faith is Jesus.
When we change it is because of His work in our life, this is the life lived under grace not the law.
It is an inward spiritual life change that can be evidenced outwardly.
But some people have a different definition of confession. They think confession is something you must do to make yourself clean, righteous, and forgiven. “I have to review all my sins to receive forgiveness.” This is a dead work. Confessing-to-be-forgiven is like washing with dirty water. No matter how hard you scrub you won’t make yourself clean.
[FONT="]When you sin it takes no faith to beat yourself up and agree with the Accuser who calls you a sinner. It takes faith to look at the cross and say, “Thank you, Jesus, for carrying all my sin.” It takes faith to praise your Father for His superabounding grace that is greater than your transgression. And it takes faith to agree with the Holy Spirit who says, despite what you did, you are still righteous, acceptable, and pleasing to God.[/FONT]
[FONT="]One of the clearest descriptions of confession comes from Max Lucado:[/FONT]
[FONT="]
Confession is not complaining. If I merely recite my problems and rehash my woes, I’m whining … Confession is so much more. Confession is a radical reliance on grace. A proclamation of our trust in God’s goodness. “What I did was bad,” we acknowledge, “but your grace is greater than my sin, so I confess it.” If our understanding of grace is small, our confession will be small: reluctant, hesitant, hedged with excuses and qualifications, full of fear of punishment. But great grace creates an honest confession. [/FONT]
[FONT="]
Confession is not complaining. If I merely recite my problems and rehash my woes, I’m whining … Confession is so much more. Confession is a radical reliance on grace. A proclamation of our trust in God’s goodness. “What I did was bad,” we acknowledge, “but your grace is greater than my sin, so I confess it.” If our understanding of grace is small, our confession will be small: reluctant, hesitant, hedged with excuses and qualifications, full of fear of punishment. But great grace creates an honest confession. [/FONT]
U
To confess means to agree with God.
The word "confess" simply means to agree with God. The word in Greek means according to Strong's G3670 - homologeō - ὁμολογέω is to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent. ;
Therefore confess does not mean to ask for forgiveness.
Every time a person is asking for forgiveness today to God after hearing the complete Gospel, is telling God they don't believe He did it all. It is double talk and is the exact opposite to confess (agree with) God
Amen Joanie...we confess and agree with God that He paid the debt in full.
The word "confess" simply means to agree with God. The word in Greek means according to Strong's G3670 - homologeō - ὁμολογέω is to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent. ;
Therefore confess does not mean to ask for forgiveness.
Every time a person is asking for forgiveness today to God after hearing the complete Gospel, is telling God they don't believe He did it all. It is double talk and is the exact opposite to confess (agree with) God
Amen Joanie...we confess and agree with God that He paid the debt in full.
Not of works not of works not of works not of works. The most quoted verse after john 3:16. Its Paul writing to the Ephesians.
But look at what Paul said:
Acts 26:19-20
19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Didn't Paul know its not of works? Why did he preach works befitting repentance? As i've said, the works in ephesians 2:8 are works of the law, such as circumcision (acts 15:1) and other similar things. If someone said what Paul did in acts 26, he would be counted among the works salvationist heretics.
If this doesn't prove that to be the case, there is nothing to be done.
But look at what Paul said:
Acts 26:19-20
19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Didn't Paul know its not of works? Why did he preach works befitting repentance? As i've said, the works in ephesians 2:8 are works of the law, such as circumcision (acts 15:1) and other similar things. If someone said what Paul did in acts 26, he would be counted among the works salvationist heretics.
If this doesn't prove that to be the case, there is nothing to be done.
There are many more Christians here on this thread who are aware of the new covenant and see confession through the finished work of the Cross. Sins already forgiven and walking in newness of life is the life of the Spirit under the new covenant.
We are called to confess the remedy and the answer for all our sins and He is Jesus. When the accuser of the brethren comes accusing., we are practicing remembering over and over Jesus and what He has done and is doing each day in our lives., not only for yesterday when we first heard the Gospel of our salvation and asked to be forgiven and accepted because we believed on the name of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us., but also for today and way into eternity.
Jesus lives after the power of an endless life so as long as Jesus lives., we have an Advocate., we have forgiveness because there is no more need for anymore sacrifices or any more human high priests.
We are remembering Jesus as the Bible tells us to do. Reinforcing the amazing truth of our righteousness in Christ and our sins forgiven and remembered no more by God because of Jesus and the new birth;
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses. Co..2;13
We are called to confess the remedy and the answer for all our sins and He is Jesus. When the accuser of the brethren comes accusing., we are practicing remembering over and over Jesus and what He has done and is doing each day in our lives., not only for yesterday when we first heard the Gospel of our salvation and asked to be forgiven and accepted because we believed on the name of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us., but also for today and way into eternity.
Jesus lives after the power of an endless life so as long as Jesus lives., we have an Advocate., we have forgiveness because there is no more need for anymore sacrifices or any more human high priests.
We are remembering Jesus as the Bible tells us to do. Reinforcing the amazing truth of our righteousness in Christ and our sins forgiven and remembered no more by God because of Jesus and the new birth;
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses. Co..2;13
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The word of website is a mighty idol for some that do not know the Word of God or the scriptures being sent to help them.
They close their eyes from seeing and their ears from hearing. Now hearing they hear not and seeing they see not, lest through God's Word, they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and healed.
For the time has come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. Many are called but few are chosen. Only the mirror shows the way because narrow is the way and few there be that find it.
They close their eyes from seeing and their ears from hearing. Now hearing they hear not and seeing they see not, lest through God's Word, they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and healed.
For the time has come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. Many are called but few are chosen. Only the mirror shows the way because narrow is the way and few there be that find it.
When you speak, speak the oracles of Yah...
Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the Word of Yah is living, and working, and sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through even to the dividing of being and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all are naked and laid bare before the eyes of Him with whom is our account."
John 17:17, “Set them apart in Your truth – Your Word is truth."
I must admit, you make a wise argument, one hard to counter considering that only Jesus can save.
But, nobody is saying confession saves, are they?
I don't think it prudent to downplay confession as if it's no longer important. Paul taught about it to the church, as well as repentance. Jesus Himself taught a great deal about forgiveness, so we know that's important. Seeking forgiveness involves conviction, confession, and repentance. They can't be separated. Yet I keep reading post after post about how conviction, confession, and repentance are done away with by Jesus himself.
How can we argue about it when compared to Jesus?
This is a comparison scripture only.
Mat 12:26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
Jesus makes it plain that Satan's kingdom can't stand if he is divided against himself.
Think about this... if Satan causes division by dividing the word against itself in the minds of the hearers, How can those christians stand?
I believe Satan is mocking what Jesus said and using the word against the word to destroy faith in the Body of Christ.
Faith comes by hearing the word of God. Doing away with that word little by little also does away with our faith.
But, nobody is saying confession saves, are they?
I don't think it prudent to downplay confession as if it's no longer important. Paul taught about it to the church, as well as repentance. Jesus Himself taught a great deal about forgiveness, so we know that's important. Seeking forgiveness involves conviction, confession, and repentance. They can't be separated. Yet I keep reading post after post about how conviction, confession, and repentance are done away with by Jesus himself.
How can we argue about it when compared to Jesus?
This is a comparison scripture only.
Mat 12:26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
Jesus makes it plain that Satan's kingdom can't stand if he is divided against himself.
Think about this... if Satan causes division by dividing the word against itself in the minds of the hearers, How can those christians stand?
I believe Satan is mocking what Jesus said and using the word against the word to destroy faith in the Body of Christ.
Faith comes by hearing the word of God. Doing away with that word little by little also does away with our faith.
Again., it always comes back to what or WHO we are looking to; Jesus. looking away from us and looking "to" Jesus. This is where it changed for many of us Christians who used to deal with shame, guilt and condemnation on a regular basis from the accuser. We don't do that anymore. We have learned to see Jesus as our righteousness.
In the old covenant, repentance implied a turning from, as in “turn from sin.” But in the new, repentance means a turning to, as in “turn to God.” Here’s Paul:
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. (Act 26:20)
Do you see why the new is better? Under the old, you could turn from sin to… more sin! For instance, if you managed to turn from some nasty habits, your religious flesh would soon get puffed up with pride. Just look at the Pharisees. I doubt anyone repented (i.e., turned from sin) as much as they did.
But in the new, there is only one direction to turn, and that is towards God. And as we turn towards Him, we inevitably turn from sin. This is why we don’t find Paul praying like this:
“I keep asking God to help you reprobates turn from your stinking sin”! No, Paul prayed that we would know Him better.
As we change our minds and come to walk in the revelation that Jesus is lovely and God is good and He loves us, we find that the things of this world grow strangely dim. We walk away from sin effortlessly because we are captivated by something, Someone, infinitely better.
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no
I've seen enough of the posts here from people who follow Ellis and similar to understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ is being skewed to the point we are told that Jesus was 'under the law'
I have also noticed how often those who do not agree are told that they didn't understand what was being said
and then another post is offered to help understand the first post
seems to be a case of 'stay tuned' for the next update while we check our favorite website
I don't see anyone on here calling God a taskmaster or similar except people who agree with the 'current trend'
perhaps those who do so, are the ones who have had the bad understanding and are now going through some kind of backlash against prior bad teaching
the problems come when those who are having this 'backlash' against seeing God the wrong way, think EVERYONE had their experience
I've seen enough of the posts here from people who follow Ellis and similar to understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ is being skewed to the point we are told that Jesus was 'under the law'
I have also noticed how often those who do not agree are told that they didn't understand what was being said
and then another post is offered to help understand the first post
seems to be a case of 'stay tuned' for the next update while we check our favorite website
I don't see anyone on here calling God a taskmaster or similar except people who agree with the 'current trend'
perhaps those who do so, are the ones who have had the bad understanding and are now going through some kind of backlash against prior bad teaching
the problems come when those who are having this 'backlash' against seeing God the wrong way, think EVERYONE had their experience
He is calling us home, can you hear his voice?
Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.
Zechariah 4:6
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.....
John 6:63
It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Isa 30:21
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Jer 29:13
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Who is it that you seek and who is the Word?
John 1:1;14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Matthew 4:4
It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.....
Psalms 33:6
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalms 17:4
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Psalms 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried:11 he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Psalms 119:25
My soul cleaves unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
Jeremiah 22:29
O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.
Jer 29:13
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (the Word)
I am the Word, and the word of the Lord came unto me saying.... What is he saying to you? This is the parable the seed is the Word of God. Who so ever is born of God does not commit sin because his seen remains in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever.
John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 5:42
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
1 John 2:5
But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
Proverbs 13:13
Whoso despises the word shall be destroyed: but he that fears the commandment shall be rewarded.
Great faith is where we can say like the Centurion speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.....Do you believe you can be healed from your sickness by the Word only?
The victory that overcomes the world is our faith in him who loves us.... He is the Word and we are sanctified through him because his Word is truth. You cannot come to him through any other way.
Those that are lost turn away from the Word. Who will hear His voice....
May God bless you all as you seek him through his Word...
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you've said something now regarding blogs and websites
I think I am beginning to see some of it as though it were an idol also
it's turning into 'thou shalt not disagree with my favorite web preacher or defile his interpretation'
yup. the God being preached is a popular one and men love the darkness
I think I am beginning to see some of it as though it were an idol also
it's turning into 'thou shalt not disagree with my favorite web preacher or defile his interpretation'
yup. the God being preached is a popular one and men love the darkness
H
Relational forgiveness is key to abiding in Christ.
I would rather say a quick and heart felt, Lord, forgive me for: using profanity, thinking that bad thought about that person, the little lie I said, not putting you first in all things. Than not ask forgiveness and let it sear my conscience.
I honestly have to say this. I have no idea how some of you can say you never ask the Lord forgiveness for SIN you do in the now and present. This is how relationship and abiding become one sided and not becoming one with him as he desires.
I am hopeful my Pastor engages in relational forgiveness before he teaches and preaches. I would not want to hear from a preacher or teacher who feels like Jesus did it all to the point he avoids asking forgiveness because it is viewed as a work to maintain salvation.
I would rather say a quick and heart felt, Lord, forgive me for: using profanity, thinking that bad thought about that person, the little lie I said, not putting you first in all things. Than not ask forgiveness and let it sear my conscience.
I honestly have to say this. I have no idea how some of you can say you never ask the Lord forgiveness for SIN you do in the now and present. This is how relationship and abiding become one sided and not becoming one with him as he desires.
I am hopeful my Pastor engages in relational forgiveness before he teaches and preaches. I would not want to hear from a preacher or teacher who feels like Jesus did it all to the point he avoids asking forgiveness because it is viewed as a work to maintain salvation.