How to Do a Confession?
1. Definition of Confession
Confession in the Bible is the act of acknowledging sin before God and, at times, before others. It is not merely an admission of guilt but a recognition of God’s holiness and our dependence on His mercy. The word itself carries the sense of agreement—saying the same thing about sin that God says.
In Scripture, confession is both vertical (to God) and horizontal (to others). It restores fellowship with God and strengthens unity within the body of Christ.
2. The Biblical Basis for Confession
Confession is grounded in the covenantal reality that God forgives sin through repentance and faith. Key passages include:
Psalm 32:5: David declares, “I acknowledged my sin to you… and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
James 5:16: “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
These verses show that confession is not optional. It is a vital part of walking in God’s grace and living in covenant fellowship.
3. The Purpose of Confession
Confession serves multiple purposes in the life of the believer:
Restoring Fellowship with God: Sin disrupts communion, and confession clears the barrier (Psalm 51:10–12).
Cultivating Humility: It reminds us of our need for grace.
Healing Relationships: Confession reconciles us to those we have wronged (Matthew 5:23–24).
Strengthening the Church: Mutual confession fosters unity and accountability.
Renewing Hope: It points us back to the sufficiency of Christ’s cross.
Confession is both personal and communal, reflecting the covenantal reality that believers belong to Christ and to one another.
4. Confession to God
The most fundamental aspect of confession is directed to God. All sin is ultimately against Him (Psalm 51:4). Confession to God involves:
Acknowledging Sin Honestly: Naming it without excuses.
Repenting Sincerely: Turning away from sin in obedience.
Trusting His Mercy: Believing His promise of forgiveness through Christ.
This kind of confession is continual, not limited to a single prayer but part of daily Christian life.
5. Confession to Others
The Bible also commands confession to fellow believers. James 5:16 stresses that confession within the community is a means of healing. This is especially important in cases where sin has harmed another person.
Practical examples include:
Private Wrong: If sin is against one person, confess privately (Matthew 18:15).
Public Wrong: If sin is public, confession should be public for restoration.
Personal Accountability: Sharing struggles with trusted believers for prayer and encouragement.
This practice prevents hidden sin from festering and strengthens the bonds of the church as Christ’s body.
6. Confession and Repentance
Confession is inseparable from repentance. While confession names sin, repentance turns from it. True confession includes both:
Agreement with God’s Word about Sin.
Change of Direction through the Spirit’s Power.
John the Baptist called for “fruits in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8). Likewise, Jesus preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Confession without repentance becomes empty ritual, but confession with repentance is covenant renewal.
7. Confession and Faith
Romans 10:9–10 shows that confession is central to faith: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Here confession is not of sin but of Christ. Confessing Jesus as Lord is the foundation of Christian life. Thus, confession is both:
Confession of Sin: Acknowledging our need.
Confession of Faith: Declaring trust in Christ.
Together, these define the Gospel response: repentance and belief.
8. Steps of Confession in Practice
While the Bible does not prescribe a rigid formula, practical steps can be drawn from its teaching:
Examine Yourself: Ask God to reveal sin (Psalm 139:23–24).
Confess to God: Speak honestly and directly to Him.
Repent: Commit to turning from the sin.
Confess to Others (if needed): Seek forgiveness from those harmed.
Receive Forgiveness: Trust God’s promise of cleansing in Christ.
Walk in Newness: Live by the Spirit in obedience and faith.
These steps demonstrate that confession is not only an act but a lifestyle.
9. Confession in the Church
Jesus gave instructions for dealing with sin within the church (Matthew 18:15–17). Confession, confrontation, and restoration are communal responsibilities. The church is not a place for hidden hypocrisy but for open repentance.
When the church embraces confession:
Sinners are restored rather than cast away.
Grace is magnified as sin is forgiven.
The Gospel shines as the community of the forgiven lives in light.
10. Conclusion
Confession is more than ritual; it is covenant renewal. The Bible calls believers to confess sins to God and to one another, to repent, and to confess Christ as Lord. In doing so, believers live faithfully under His kingship, walking in grace and forgiveness.
The Gospel makes confession possible and effective. Through Christ’s blood, every confession is met with mercy. The church, as His body, is strengthened when confession is practiced in humility and love. Confession is thus essential not only for personal holiness but for the life of the entire covenant community.
Bible Verses about Confession
Psalm 32:5 – “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
Psalm 51:10–12 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”
Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Matthew 18:15 – “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”
Luke 3:8 – “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.”
Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
1 Corinthians 11:28 – “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
1 John 1:8–9 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Revelation 3:19 – “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”
