A confession and some general questions

[scott27]

I've struggled on and off with a porn addiction, and, while I know it's not uncommon, it leads me to doubt myself as a Christian, and I would feel blessed to have others pray for me- which leads to my question. As Catholics believe it is necessary to confess directly to a priest, I was never taught so. I always thought you only needed to confess to God. I understand from scripture that it is good to confess sins to one another so that others might pray for you and God could heal you. But, is it a necessity? Or can you keep it all between yourself and God?

 

[Tommy4Christ]

I've struggled on and off with a porn addiction, and, while I know it's not uncommon, it leads me to doubt myself as a Christian, and I would feel blessed to have others pray for me- which leads to my question. As Catholics believe it is necessary to confess directly to a priest, I was never taught so. I always thought you only needed to confess to God. I understand from scripture that it is good to confess sins to one another so that others might pray for you and God could heal you. But, is it a necessity? Or can you keep it all between yourself and God?

I will be praying for you young man, you do not have to confess your sins of the flesh to a priest, this is false, BUT if you continue in your porn addiction, you must do more than confess it to God, He wants you to repent of it, and seek His mercy, do not let anyone tell you this is a nornal practice for professing Christians, and the sexual imoral will NOT inherit the kingdom of God! Gal 5-19-21.

There shouldnt even be a hint of sexual immorality named around true followers of Christ, I dont come to these posts to sugar coat the word of God, as many do, YES God has great mercy, 2 Peter 3-9, but is callling all HIs creation to repent and live! Isa 55-7.....

I pray this helps:

I was a porn addict for 30 years, and what I am going to tell you can save your soul, only if you go to God, do not listen to the lies that you were born a sinner, or this addiction is a disease, its a free will choice and you must do one thing! Repent, 2 Cor 7-10-11, seek the mercy of God, and run from all the churches that tell you you are a poor sinner saved since you said the sinners prayer, and received Jesus into your heart. you need to go back to your first works, and repent, stop the sin first, see Jonah Ch 3. Now you are in jeopardy of loosing your soul, I implore you to flee all sexual immorality, seek the mercy of God. If you continue in your selfish, vile sin, you will not inherit the kingdom of God, and if anyone tells you otherwise, run from them, all fornicators will have their place in the lake of fire.The churches today teach you get saved in your vile sins, God doesn't care, and will help you clean yourself up, this is another lie, see Luke, 13-3, Acts 3-19, Isa 55-7, and also Eze 20-18, that says the soul who sins shall die. Those in the lukewarm church will tell you to go to a good counselor, join the Promise Keepers, or a good 12 step program, but alls these programs do it, keep the old man(flesh) alive, by putting a small bandage on a huge cancer, Porn addiction will kill you spiritually, it almost sent me to hell, until I repented, fell on my face before God, and surrendered my whole life to Him, Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you, cleanse your hands you sinners, purify your hearts you double minded. James 4-8. you cannot mess around with sin, you have made a free will choice to indulge your flesh, and love self more than God, you are hurting your loved ones also, and will reap what you sow! Unless you cut the sin out at its roots, and crucify it with Christ, Gal2-20, first, you will be in bondage to it. You must touch the blood of Christ, Heb 9-14, through repentance, purge, and cleanse your heart, see Jonah ch 3, which is a perfect example of what biblical repentance is, they were convicted, put on sackcloth and ashes, fell on their faces, fasted, closed down the whole city, in great humility, remorse, brokenness, before an all holy God, who will destroy the wicked, unless they seek His mercy through repentance. 2 Peter 3-9, God is long suffering toward us, not wanting any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. If you believe you can never loose your salvation, you have bought into the lie, as the soul that sins shall die.
The bottom line is, who do you love more, your flesh and selfish choices,or God almighty, who gave His son for you, to set you free from the bondages of sin, through His shed blood on the cross, Jesus was not your substitute, or took your obedience, He is your example and strength to follow and obey,(Phil4-13) obedience matters, as those who obey God flee from immorality and sin!
If you don't put the sin to death in repentance, and purify your heart, even resisting to bloodshed to stop the sin, Heb 12-4, we have our part to do, and that is put our vile sins to death once and for all in repentance, seek Gods mercy, and follow Him cleansed and purged, walking in purity, sincerity, and love, guarding your heart, you have a choice! Will be praying for you, I send this out of love, to hopefully wake you up, to truth, it wont be easy, but when you take that first step in repentance, God will reach out to you, and help you through it all.
1Co 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor abusers, nor homosexuals,
1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

 

[Ugly]

I think the idea of confessing your sins (not to a priest, but generally) has more to do with finding the prayer and support of others. Few people are able, for example, to overcome addictions of any kind on their own. It requires them confessing that they have a problem, and having others assist us in our battle. To provide prayer, help, tips, accountability, etc. Keeping it to yourself removes a lot of the help you would otherwise have available.
I'd suggest not worrying about your faith. While its true fornicators and others don't inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, your heart is not one reveling in your sin, but fighting it. Long as you feel the conviction and desire to quit your walk is in good order. Its when you stop caring, or begin to enjoy the lifestyle that you have to start worrying.
Here's a resource to help you... XXXChurch . com. The site is a ministry aimed at porn addicts and even getting porn actors/actresses out of the porn lifestyle. Give it a try, utilize what it has to offer.

 

[psychomom]

I believe "having" to confess to a priest is misguided and not scriptural, BUT James 5:16 does say:
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

I will surely be in prayer for you, Scott. With the Lord you can overcome this!
~ellie

 

[StMichaelTheArchangel]

Confessing to a priest is important for many reasons. 1) It says in James 5:16 to do so, the prayer of absolution said by the priest after confession can work miracles. And 2) because everybody needs someone to counsel them in their walk with God.


Go here to learn about the prayer of absolution:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolution#Eastern_Orthodox_Churches

 

[mystdancer50]

The key is trust. When there is a Christian friend you can truly trust, you confess to them for the sake of prayer, yes, but also for accountability. If you have that person (some are lucky enough to find more than one trustworthy person) that you can count on to check on you, that you can call when weakening and have them counsel you, visit you, or go hang out with you, it gives you the ability to be strong because you know you have someone there to fight by your side and help you through. Accountability to yourself, God, and close, trustworthy friends is vital to breaking free of any addiction.

 

[Blessed_By_God]

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

Why confess your sin to any other only one can take them away his name is Jesus. GOD Bless

 

[frankleespeaking]

Confessing to a priest is important for many reasons. 1) It says in James 5:16 to do so, the prayer of absolution said by the priest after confession can work miracles. And 2) because everybody needs someone to counsel them in their walk with God.


Go here to learn about the prayer of absolution:

Absolution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

considering the original poster is not an adolecent, and poses no temptation to the priest, if he wanted to tell a priest and have him pray with him I don't see anything biblically wrong with it, unless the priest tells him to recite some prayer over and over like the repititous ramblings of pagans

 

[xino]

Tommy4Christ
said it better and SPOT on!!!

I was a porn addict for 30 years, and what I am going to tell you can save your soul, only if you go to God, do not listen to the lies that you were born a sinner, or this addiction is a disease, its a free will choice and you must do one thing! Repent, 2 Cor 7-10-11, seek the mercy of God, and run from all the churches that tell you you are a poor sinner saved since you said the sinners prayer, and received Jesus into your heart. you need to go back to your first works, and repent, stop the sin first, see Jonah Ch 3. Now you are in jeopardy of loosing your soul, I implore you to flee all sexual immorality, seek the mercy of God.

spot on!
I was like this. I follow GOD but I lost the Holy spirit and kingdom of God simply because I kept watching porn. I always pray to God for him to lift this curse away from me. I wanted to go to church 2 weeks ago because I haven't been to church in AGES and hoping me going to church i can resist this temptation.
But after attending church after a long absent, nothing happened to me. Until I saw someone's testimonial video on how he got rid of his addiction. That touched me and revealed the truth, I immediately got on my knees and ask God to forgive me and cleanse me and INSTANTLY it was done. I feel so pure and no longer feel temptation.

Church will not save you, you need to save yourself by going to Jesus Christ.
Yes porn addiction OR any addiction will send someone to hell. Basically demons are lurking in the shadows, when someone has a bad habit of doing something, they are getting their body in darkness, thus allowing demons to enter the person and temp. Yes the addiction you are doing feels so good, but truly you are condemning yourself in hell.



I dunno man, keep asking Jesus Christ to lift this addiction curse away from you.
I know that Jesus loves us, and he'll always answer our prayers or save us at the right moment. We just have to wait...

 

[frankleespeaking]

Its amazing how some porn sites make no bones about who's behind the workings of this industry by incorporating so many satanic symbols into their websites, I am so glad God finally showed me that I could simply get free from this addiction by controling what I allowed myself to think about. when you take in account every thought and make every thought obedient to Christ, its truly amazing how easy it was to walk in freedom from porn and masturbation.........never dreamed I would be free from either since a year ago I had absolutely no control over my flesh, or watching porn, I would go for periods of time, and then fall everytime I was tired or discouraged. kinda like a recoverying alcoholic always looking for an excuse to drink.

you know your free when it doesn't even register as a temptation, and you realize you don't even think about it anymore.

 

[xino]

Its amazing how some porn sites make no bones about who's behind the workings of this industry by incorporating so many satanic symbols into their websites, I am so glad God finally showed me that I could simply get free from this addiction by controling what I allowed myself to think about. when you take in account every thought and make every thought obedient to Christ, its truly amazing how easy it was to walk in freedom from porn and masturbation.........never dreamed I would be free from either since a year ago I had absolutely no control over my flesh, or watching porn, I would go for periods of time, and then fall everytime I was tired or discouraged. kinda like a recoverying alcoholic always looking for an excuse to drink.

you know your free when it doesn't even register as a temptation, and you realize you don't even think about it anymore.

I too I am glad I am out of it.
It was so hard man!

the more you watch, the more the body is covered in darkness and we just fall in temptation so easily.
And the fact is, when we fall into it, we don't become ourselves, we are not in control, it's like something is controlling us and we just want to fill this hunger for lust!
Worst part is the more we watch the more we want something more disgusting and more extreme!
This is why people watch child porn, they start from porn, watch it heavily and search for something extreme.
So glad I didn't go that far!

seriously I hated it man, after I finish watching porn, I just feel SO dirty and disliked myself for doing it, I definitely know I've sinned!

There's so many WRONG things man and you can easily tell it's devils work and way to draw people to sin and away from God.

Even that Two Girl 1 Cup video, I ignored it as I knew humans cannot do that. They must be possessed.

I've just seen too many rubbish man that you think, humans have gone too far!!!

Jesus healed my addiction and I'm so glad I'm out of the addiction.

 

[Adhis]

Hi Scott 27,

About your addiction, you are in my prayers and it is an addiction that is so damaging because it's private. Watching porn is very simple and no one has to know. That is how the devil takes a hold of you by convincing you it's private and no one can see and you can stop any time and it is until you try to stop that you realise you were never in control. But We are saved by the blood of Jesus and redeemed. Pray about it and know in your mind that you have been set free.

Regarding the confession, while I do not believe it is mandatory to confess to a priest, I believe it is important to share your struggles with a church leader(could be a pastor, a group leader, anyone who can pray with you and guide you) and one or two Christian brethren who can hold you accountable for your actions and walk with you in every struggle. Their purpose is not to judge you but to encourage you and support you. In his letters to the early churches Paul emphasises on how important it is to encourage one another.

 

[Moe]

There is only one Person that can forgive you of your sin and that is Jesus Christ. No member of any clergy can do the work of Jesus Christ. I personally believe that the Catholic church is a apostate church and teaches false doctrines. Cheers

 

[Philos]

I can't answer this by the two choices I've been given. We don't have the obligation of the Roman System that we must seek atonement by confession to a "father", but at the same time it is not biblical to confess to only God alone. The Scriptures does tell us to confess to one another. It is right not only to confess to the one you have sinned against (as the Lord commanded), but also to give a confession among the brethren so that you can be built up in the faith and Godliness. We're to be sincere, without wax, before our brothers. If we have a sin, we should confess it so we, with the help and encouragement of our brothers, can seek to make it right. God may even lead our brothers to lay hand on us so that we can receive a greater anointing of power against such things.

And at the same time we must remember that when John wrote that if we confess He'll forgive and cleanse, he had prophetic Scriptures in mind.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

2Ch 6:24 And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;
2Ch 6:25 Then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers.
2Ch 6:26 When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them;
2Ch 6:27 Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance.

2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

So I can't answer, because neither choice is biblical.

 

[Philos]

Scott, you ever thought about finding someone or a group of people that you can be held accountable to? Porn addiction is just another fruit of immorality, and you know what Paul wrote on those who practice such. This sin cannot be taken lightly. It would be wise to find others who can hold you accountable, it would also be wise to seek why you even struggle with the porn addiction in the first place, it is rarely about wanting to fulfill some sexual pleasure. As for me, it was out of anger against my Stepsister for taking away my innocence at the age of 12, as well as other things. You also need to remember the words of the Lord.

"If your hand cause you to stumble, cut it off. It'd be better for you to enter life without it than hell with it. If your eye cause you to stumble, pluck it out. It'd be better if you enter life with one eye than go into destruction with two."

If you need to talk, you can contact me.

 

[SpaceCowboy]

You can look at porn and then confess to God afterward sure. You could even make that a pattern to where you fall and then "confess" to try and trick your conscience to feel better.

But my suggestion would be to forsake ALL sin and repent of ALL of it and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

 

[moment_of_faith]

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, the life, no one comes to the father but by him, also did your priest die for you?

 

[Elizabeth619]

I've struggled on and off with a porn addiction, and, while I know it's not uncommon, it leads me to doubt myself as a Christian, and I would feel blessed to have others pray for me- which leads to my question. As Catholics believe it is necessary to confess directly to a priest, I was never taught so. I always thought you only needed to confess to God. I understand from scripture that it is good to confess sins to one another so that others might pray for you and God could heal you. But, is it a necessity? Or can you keep it all between yourself and God?

The NT actually teaches that all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5-9... 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious)

Approaching God through a priest is actually an Old Testement practice that believers today do not live by. Jesus is not our great High Priest and we are not commanded to confess to man our sins. (Hebrews 4:14-15 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect)

We are to confess our sins to God. The bible clearly teaches this. Eventhough it says to confess our sins to one another that is not linked to forgiveness from God. I could confess whatever I wanted to you, but that will not give me forgiveness. Only God will.

Overall, confessing to a priest is an old covenant practice that Christians do not live by. A priest is no longer a mediator between man and God. Jesus is.

 

[Elizabeth619]

The NT actually teaches that all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5-9... 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious)

Approaching God through a priest is actually an Old Testement practice that believers today do not live by. Jesus is not(typo!!) our great High Priest and we are not commanded to confess to man our sins. (Hebrews 4:14-15 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect)

We are to confess our sins to God. The bible clearly teaches this. Eventhough it says to confess our sins to one another that is not linked to forgiveness from God. I could confess whatever I wanted to you, but that will not give me forgiveness. Only God will.

Overall, confessing to a priest is an old covenant practice that Christians do not live by. A priest is no longer a mediator between man and God. Jesus is.

I dont know what I was typing there. It should say Jesus IS our high priest.
Sorry.

 

[psychomom]

I dont know what I was typing there. It should say Jesus IS our high priest.
Sorry.

Dearest Beth, merely perusing your posts would lead us to know you didn't mean that...but I love that you honor the Lord so much you correct it. ♥
Thanks for doing so.
~ellie