A Case for Confessing sin to one another (#3 in series)

We Protestants hold dear the doctrine of the "priesthood of believers". By this we mean to say that one does not need a priest or any other imtermediary to confess our sins to God. We have direct access to God through prayer!

That said, the Bible advocates confession to one another as well. While we might feel more comfortable confessing to God (afterall, He is invisible and doesn't share our foibles with our friends!), confession to one another has enormous spiritual benefits.

Benefits to the soul

• Helps the believer avoid further sin (because others are now watching).
• Creates an awareness that you are no longer alone with your sin (“We lay down the burden of hiding and pretending.”)
• Allows for mutual accountability (someone is there to hold you to renewal).
• It is a proactive response to sin.
• True confession leads to purification.
• Requires an examination of the self/conscience.
• Demonstrates sorrow for sin in the light of God’s holiness.
• Demonstrates a determination to avoid sin followed by a turning from sin.
• Leads to restitution, if required by the community.

Take some time to explore the following passages about confession:

Two forms of confession

• Private Confession (1 Jn. 1:9)
• Public Confession (Jam. 5:16)

Of course, for confession to work, a few things are absolutely necessary prerequisites:

• Open and strong fellowship among believers.
• Humility on behalf of the listener.
• Maturity of mind and spirit to listen, advise and hold accountable.