Welcome! In our journey of faith, it is essential to focus on spiritual disciplines that will help us grow in our relationship with God. This year, we are intentionally looking at practices that go beyond mere habits and rituals, but rather sacred rhythms that create space for God to work miraculously in our lives.
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Memory verse: Proverbs 28:13 – He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Spiritual Disciplines – Confession
We live in a world filled with confusion. Many today are honestly wondering what has gone wrong. There’s instability in homes, tension in relationships, and uncertainty in the hearts of many—especially the younger generation. What once seemed clear about right and wrong now feels blurred. Culture tells us that morality is personal, that truth is whatever feels right in the moment. But when everyone defines their own truth, chaos follows.
As followers of Christ, we must remember: our worldview—how we see God, ourselves, and the world—shapes our choices. What we believe deep down determines how we live. When our hearts drift from God’s truth, our decisions reflect that distance.
This is where confession becomes vital. Confession isn’t just about admitting where we’ve gone wrong—it’s about realigning our hearts with God’s truth. It’s about asking God to shine His light into our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs, and expose anything that doesn’t reflect His holiness. It’s a practice of returning to the firm foundation of Scripture in a world that constantly shifts.
When we practice confession as a spiritual discipline, we’re saying, “Lord, I don’t want to be shaped by the world—I want to be shaped by You.” We’re asking God to correct the lies we’ve believed and restore our perspective with His truth.
Confession: A Pathway to Restoration and Intimacy with God
Confession, in the biblical sense, is far more than a mere acknowledgment of wrongdoing. It is a spiritual discipline, deeply woven into the fabric of Scripture, that leads to restoration, freedom, and deeper communion with God. In both the Old and New Testaments, confession is portrayed not just as a duty, but as a vital step in the transformative journey of faith.
What is Biblical Confession?
Biblical confession involves openly admitting sins, failures, or faith in truth before God and, when appropriate, before others. The Greek word often used in the New Testament is homologeo, meaning “to say the same thing” or “to agree.” Confession, then, is agreeing with God about the reality of our sin and the truth of His righteousness.
There are two major aspects of biblical confession:
- Confession of Sin – Acknowledging one’s sins in repentance.
- Confession of Faith – Declaring belief in God, His promises, and the Lordship of Christ.
“Confession is a means of pursuing purity.” ~ Anonymous
Confession of Sin
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture affirms the necessity of confessing sin:
- Psalm 32:5 – “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid.
I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” - 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.”
The act of confessing sin brings believers back into right relationship with God. It is not a mechanical ritual, but a heartfelt admission that aligns us with God’s holiness and mercy. David’s confessional psalms (such as Psalm 51) illustrate the emotional and spiritual depth involved in true repentance.
Confession of Faith
Confession is also a declaration of allegiance and belief:
- Romans 10:9-10 – “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
- Hebrews 4:14 – “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”
This public and personal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is foundational to Christian identity. Confession of faith unites believers across generations and cultures in the truth of the gospel.
The Role of Confession in Community
While confession is deeply personal, it also has a communal dimension. James 5:16 instructs believers to “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” In the early Church, confession was practiced within the community to foster mutual accountability, healing, and grace.
Healthy confession in community promotes humility, transparency, and spiritual growth. It is not about shaming but about healing and support.
Theological Implications
Biblical confession acknowledges the justice of God and our dependence on His mercy. It reaffirms the believer’s trust in the atonement of Christ. Unlike guilt or denial, confession leads to liberation through divine forgiveness. It is both an admission of guilt and a profession of hope.
Through confession, the Christian not only experiences forgiveness but also transformation. God’s grace does not merely pardon; it purifies and empowers.
Practical Steps for Biblical Confession
- Examine Your Heart – Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of sin or unbelief.
- Be Honest with God – Name your sins without excuse or minimization.
- Receive God’s Forgiveness – Trust in the promises of Scripture regarding God’s mercy.
- Confess to Others if Needed – Seek accountability and healing where appropriate.
- Live Changed – Let confession lead to renewed obedience and restored joy.
Spiritual Benefits
Biblical Confession is not a burdensome obligation, but a gracious invitation. Engaging in the discipline of confession offers numerous spiritual benefits. It cultivates a deeper awareness of one’s sinfulness and the need for God’s grace, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. It leads the believer from guilt to grace, from hiding to healing, and from brokenness to restoration. Whether through the quiet prayers of the heart or the bold proclamation of faith, confession is a vital rhythm in the Christian life—drawing us closer to the God who forgives, restores, and redeems.
Challenge
Spend some time reading the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11–32. Pay close attention to the son’s actions—and especially to the father’s response. As you reflect, turn your heart toward your heavenly Father. Consider the high cost He paid to redeem you and the depth of His forgiveness toward you. Then, read Psalm 103:1–14 and let it remind you of His mercy and compassion.
Now, take a moment to examine your own life in light of confession. Is there any unconfessed sin weighing on your heart? Are you holding on to resentment or bitterness? Bring these things before the Lord. And if you feel led, prayerfully consider sharing with a trusted believer or your pastor. God often works through His people to offer love, healing, and support when we take the courageous step to confess.
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I pray that you will continue to be conscious of God’s presence throughout the month as you journal His Word and that you will sense His presence in every area of your life.
You can download the Journaling Scripture Plan here:
https://charitymaeprosper.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SD-Confession.pdf
References:
- Life Application Study Bible: King James Version. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2004. Print
- Henry, Matthew, 1662-1714. (1991). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible : wherein each chapter is summed up in its contents: the sacred text inserted at large in distinct paragraphs; each paragraph reduced to its proper heads: the sense given, and largely illustrated with practical remarks and observations. Peabody, Mass. :Hendrickson Publishers
- https://enduringword.com/#commentary
- Oxford University Press. (n.d.). Confession. In Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/confession?q=confession
- https://biblehub.com/topical/c/confession_as_a_spiritual_discipline.htm
- https://jesusinthecenter.com › spiritual-discipline-of-confession
- https://www.prestongillham.com › blog › the-spiritual-practice-of-confession
