Sin Confession: A Waste of Breath?
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When a child is punished by their parents for wrong doing, sometimes a simple "I'm sorry" restores fellowship between the child and the parent and returns the dynamic of child and parent back into harmony with each other. So I don't see anything wrong with saying your sorry for your behavior. An apology is never a "waste of breath".
These issues have been talked about in the posts BillyG.
1) A couple of people suggest that since your already forgiven you do not need to confess your sins, as you now under no condemnation.
2) Most others suggest that although you are declared right with God (just) and therefore now under no condemnation, you still wrestle with the old man and we still sin. Sin disrupts our walking in harmony with God, he is Holy and Just. So we still confess our sins not from fear of condemnation (there is none for the believer) but rather to restore that filial relationship.
Both parties believe that we can only live the life of faith in the power of Christ by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
There is a 3rd group, those who are legalists, who believe in works righteousness, both groups would disagree with this.
What we need to understand is that some people have come to realization of what Jesus has done for us and it is all of grace, they may have been taught legalism, or just didnt fully understand salvation in Christ. I think we can see this in a couple of Posts above. However the danger is that this realization of grace does'nt take you from one error to the next, from one extreme to another. We should always remember the warning in Jude 1:4, that we do not pervert the GRACE of God.
Thats the basics. These issues are not new in the church. Legalism has always been around, and so has Antinomianism (hyper grace skirts dangerously close to Antinomianism).
So you have to ask yourself, what does the bible actually say, not what I or others say. Do we confess our sins or is a waste of breath as the Op suggests?
Me personally, even though I have been forgiven and now under no condemnation, I still confess my sins, and rely on the power of Christ to resist temptation etc.
(just as a note, read the statements to the churches in revelation...repent.) none of are perfected yet. But one day. Come Lord Jesus.
1) A couple of people suggest that since your already forgiven you do not need to confess your sins, as you now under no condemnation.
2) Most others suggest that although you are declared right with God (just) and therefore now under no condemnation, you still wrestle with the old man and we still sin. Sin disrupts our walking in harmony with God, he is Holy and Just. So we still confess our sins not from fear of condemnation (there is none for the believer) but rather to restore that filial relationship.
Both parties believe that we can only live the life of faith in the power of Christ by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
There is a 3rd group, those who are legalists, who believe in works righteousness, both groups would disagree with this.
What we need to understand is that some people have come to realization of what Jesus has done for us and it is all of grace, they may have been taught legalism, or just didnt fully understand salvation in Christ. I think we can see this in a couple of Posts above. However the danger is that this realization of grace does'nt take you from one error to the next, from one extreme to another. We should always remember the warning in Jude 1:4, that we do not pervert the GRACE of God.
Thats the basics. These issues are not new in the church. Legalism has always been around, and so has Antinomianism (hyper grace skirts dangerously close to Antinomianism).
So you have to ask yourself, what does the bible actually say, not what I or others say. Do we confess our sins or is a waste of breath as the Op suggests?
Me personally, even though I have been forgiven and now under no condemnation, I still confess my sins, and rely on the power of Christ to resist temptation etc.
(just as a note, read the statements to the churches in revelation...repent.) none of are perfected yet. But one day. Come Lord Jesus.
7
Love everything you have put in this post
...When I gave my life to Jesus I surrenderd everything to live my life according to His plan...I do not want to live my life any other way, I know I have a long way to go, but as the Lord leads I will follow...I believe I just fell in love with Him some today, I just love Him so much, His truth is beautiful, and I am so thankful that God led me to this site where I learn so much through His Faithful Word...I love reading your post to 7, and you have led me also in the Word...Praise God, we are all one spirit, and Jesus is the Head...xox...
...When I gave my life to Jesus I surrenderd everything to live my life according to His plan...I do not want to live my life any other way, I know I have a long way to go, but as the Lord leads I will follow...I believe I just fell in love with Him some today, I just love Him so much, His truth is beautiful, and I am so thankful that God led me to this site where I learn so much through His Faithful Word...I love reading your post to 7, and you have led me also in the Word...Praise God, we are all one spirit, and Jesus is the Head...xox...
you touch my heart and encourage ME in the Lord
truly
hugs
Yes you are correct.
I repped your post because it deserved it.
Can I just add one thing though and this is not to negate your excellent post.
Is there not another group though who believe that one must confess their sin in order to be forgiven?
If they don’t then such sins are not forgive. Which to me can lead to legalism of works righteousness.
So hopefully good works outweigh bad works or sin. I was such a person once and I know of a few still walking like it.
This also disrupts their relationship with God. A jaundiced view of God’s love and grace.
As I said this is not to negate your post because it is very good.
Just wanted to expand it a little.
Bill
I repped your post because it deserved it.
Can I just add one thing though and this is not to negate your excellent post.
Is there not another group though who believe that one must confess their sin in order to be forgiven?
If they don’t then such sins are not forgive. Which to me can lead to legalism of works righteousness.
So hopefully good works outweigh bad works or sin. I was such a person once and I know of a few still walking like it.
This also disrupts their relationship with God. A jaundiced view of God’s love and grace.
As I said this is not to negate your post because it is very good.
Just wanted to expand it a little.
Bill
H
Could you actually converse with people without resorting to the implication that you and you alone have superior revelation knowledge and some higher knowledge than others? What you are repeating and thinking is something new for you, actually started 40 years ago by Ken E. Hagin and all his disciples, including Joe Prince keep the charade alive for new converts[you] today.
When you can stop aggrandizing and lording over others that you have Superior knowledge, maybe I will stop and read one of your posts.
When you can stop aggrandizing and lording over others that you have Superior knowledge, maybe I will stop and read one of your posts.
It`s the truth lol...It has opened my eyes to the freedom I have in Christ, I do not have to keep begging for forgiveness because I am already forgiven...I understand exactly that I do NOT have a free license to sin, although I knew that part already, it`s just giving more understanding to so much Scripture in my head, that now when I read, I feel some kind of fear has been removed...
I know now what NO condemnation means for those who are in Christ Jesus, I know I can go boldly to the throne, anytime, I just feel more freedom, something has shifted in me, maybe a few scales have fallen from my eyes, I know this could not possible happen without me led by the Holy Spirit to these truths, and I must thank Ben for posting this thread that I nearly by passed because I did not like the title lol...\0/...xox...
...I understand exactly that I do NOT have a free license to sin, although I knew that part already, it`s just giving more understanding to so much Scripture in my head, that now when I read, I feel some kind of fear has been removed...I know now what NO condemnation means for those who are in Christ Jesus, I know I can go boldly to the throne, anytime, I just feel more freedom, something has shifted in me, maybe a few scales have fallen from my eyes, I know this could not possible happen without me led by the Holy Spirit to these truths, and I must thank Ben for posting this thread that I nearly by passed because I did not like the title lol...\0/...xox...
I am truly happy for you, this is exactly why this thread was made. So that you can go boldly before the Father knowing your right standing with God. Rosemary, the title of this thread was sensationalized (think clickbait, lol), to get people to look into it and reflect upon their relationship with God. What is the basis for that relationship? Jesus Christ, and the forgiveness we already have through Him, praise God. This was the Father's will that He sent His Son for us to take care of the very thing alienating us from Him. Sin. So not only does Jesus love us, but so does the Father who sent the Son. My answer to the thread title for those that say I suggest its a waste of breath is that no sin confession is not a waste of breath in that of transparency before God. We can't hide sin from God, we can't hide our wrongdoings. So, there is no reason to put up a facade. Explain to Him your situation, ask Him for strength next time temptation comes around and approach the throne of grace in time of need. Especially do this in the moment of temptation. The waste of breathe part is about there not being anything more we can do to receive forgiveness from God, because Jesus has done it all. He gets the glory.
Exactly, that is the question being presented. For what reason? An argument was made in OP that it cannot be for forgiveness since Jesus through His bloodshed purchased for us the remission of our sins. Thats it. There is nothing crazy and fanatical being said here. Simply, Jesus is being accredited with what He accomplished through His sufferings.
I absolutely agree with this statement, we shouldn't be comfortable with sin. It is no longer who we are, we have been made new creations. As the apostle Paul says, we should reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive unto God (as symbolized in baptism). He says elsewhere to not use our liberty as an occasion for the flesh, but to use our members for righteousness. I love the reality we now walk in, in Christ. The righteous do righteousness, and this we know is by the grace of God and the Lord's process of sanctification.
Through 'confession' of our sins, not only are we drawing closer to God in our
humility and regret/road to 'over-coming', but we are being taught by
The Holy Spirit, how to 'forgive-ourselves', and thus we are able to
hear and learn and grow on our journey/walk, being assured that
we are in 'the Will of God'...
always remember, 'repentance means 'turning away from sin', and 'turning to the Ways of God'...
humility and regret/road to 'over-coming', but we are being taught by
The Holy Spirit, how to 'forgive-ourselves', and thus we are able to
hear and learn and grow on our journey/walk, being assured that
we are in 'the Will of God'...
always remember, 'repentance means 'turning away from sin', and 'turning to the Ways of God'...
C
Amen; I love the word mercy. He does not give us what our sins deserve but instead He is making us vessels of honour.
2 Timothy 2:20-22 (E.S.V). Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonourable therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:20-22 (E.S.V). Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonourable therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
PRO. 3:9-10.
Honour The LORD with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase:
So shall your barns be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst out with new wine.
JAMES 5:11.
Behold, we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job,
and have seen the end of The Lord; that The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
1COR. 9:24-25-26-27.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means,
when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Honour The LORD with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase:
So shall your barns be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst out with new wine.
JAMES 5:11.
Behold, we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job,
and have seen the end of The Lord; that The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
1COR. 9:24-25-26-27.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means,
when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
How to forgive ourselves???
I only put ??? Because most do not do that.
But we need to realise that because we have been forgiven.
If we can’t forgive ourselves then we can’t accept that we have been forgiven by God.
You my friend have hit the nail on the head.
Thank you for addressing this.
To me it is so so important.
I only put ??? Because most do not do that.
But we need to realise that because we have been forgiven.
If we can’t forgive ourselves then we can’t accept that we have been forgiven by God.
You my friend have hit the nail on the head.
Thank you for addressing this.
To me it is so so important.
HOLY GRACE!?!?!
it's so Spiritual, so heart-warming, so filled with assurance, imparting true Peace,
in so many different ways as we grow into what our Heavenly Father expects of us...
sometimes it can seem like such a heavenly mystery; but Jesus has truly given His Truth,
to those whom He has called, for these end-times, it's on-going, right from the beginning...
even though our ancestors betrayed Him, He has seen fit in His Love and Righteousness,
to give each of us chances/choices...
how can we not Love and Adore Him in every way that we can think of?!?!?
it's so Spiritual, so heart-warming, so filled with assurance, imparting true Peace,
in so many different ways as we grow into what our Heavenly Father expects of us...
sometimes it can seem like such a heavenly mystery; but Jesus has truly given His Truth,
to those whom He has called, for these end-times, it's on-going, right from the beginning...
even though our ancestors betrayed Him, He has seen fit in His Love and Righteousness,
to give each of us chances/choices...
how can we not Love and Adore Him in every way that we can think of?!?!?
U
Yes He did, no one gets through the narrow gate focusing on themselves.
Jesus is the gate.... He paid the full penalty for our sins and was victorious over sin
It is not easy for humans to lay down their self-effort, that is why the gate is narrow.
Jesus does not save those trying to save themselves.
Jesus is the gate.... He paid the full penalty for our sins and was victorious over sin
It is not easy for humans to lay down their self-effort, that is why the gate is narrow.
Jesus does not save those trying to save themselves.