relational forgiveness was taught by Jesus himself....
Thats what I have come to believe.
It used to be me for me "I must confess every sin in order to be forgiven"
I would find myself spending more time concentrating on the sin as such to ensure that it's all forgiven.
I had never really understood how confession works and it's purpose as you can see from previous sentence.
As I researched this more I came to realise that my sin has been covered.
Judicial forgiveness.
That which has dealt with the penalty of My sin through Jesus, sets me free from condemnation and allows me to come before the throne of God.
Then I realised that to come before God when I get it wrong was to confess sin in order to restore the relationship which he has asked us to do.
Justification deals with judicial guilt.
Parental/Relational forgiveness.
As in any relationship when we fail on our side unless it's sorted out then a barrier can be put up.
I think with regard to God when we sin and do not cofesss then a barrier is put up and I would say from our side and not Gods.
The temple curtain was torn in two, complete access to God, no barrier.
If we put up the barrier it's because we feel guilty or bad or condemned.
But we know that there is no condemnation for those in Jesus.
So for me and it's been a long hard journey (which I still struggle with at times)
I come before God, I confess, say sorry I got this wrong please help me.
Sometimes I still say please forgive me but most times I say thank you that I am forgiven.
Confession is not to seek apardon for sin but to seek and know the mercy of God that it is forgiven.
The relationship is restored and he can go about his business in us.
There is something that is so releasing when we can say "I have to get this off my chest, I got it wrong and I need help"
Then to hear "It's forgiven, thanks for fessing up now let's work together"
It enhances the sanctification process.
Furthermore I would lake to say if we don't confess then at some point discipline will happen.
To avoid that be honest with God straight away, he is faithful to us