Articles From Our Bulletins
Confessing Sin
Pride can be a problem for any of us, especially in response to sin. “Why should I have to confess my sins publicly? It’s nobody’s business what I have done; this is a matter between me and God.” Yet, an erring Christian should want to confess his public sins for various reasons:
1. God Commands It: (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).Has the erring sinner learned his lesson? Does he realize the seriousness of his sin? Has he repented? Is he sorry for offending God? These questions are answered in a genuine, public confession.
2. Shows A Contrite Heart: (Luke 15:21), which is necessary in restoring one’s relationship with God (2 Corinthians 7:10). If one is truly sorry for his sins, he will want others to know of his repentance. He will want to remove the shame he brought on the name of Christ (Romans 2:23-24) and replace it with honor and glory.
3. To Restore Relationship With Brethren: (Matthew 18:15-17). The erring injured those who love and trusted him (2 Corinthians 2:5). He slandered them in charging them with evil for insisting that he repent. His confession affirms that it was not wrong to rebuke his sin and restores brotherly affection between them (v. 8). His confession also makes it possible for brethren to defend him in the community when people make reference to his sin (Acts 9:26-28).
4. Shows Personal Accountability: (Psalms 51:3-4). As long as an erring sinner has the attitude that “I’ve done nothing wrong,” he hasn’t sincerely repented of his sin. This attitude keeps him in sin (Acts 8:21- 22). A Christian who will not confess his public sin has either not repented of it, or is too proud to admit his mistakes, which is another sin. God says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
