The only reference in Scripture to a confession by one person to another is found in Jas. 5:16 , “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another.” However, believers are to confess Christ before others in testimony that they have received Him as Saviour, Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9; 1 John 4:15. This is not in order to be saved, but because they have been saved. It fulfills Acts 1:8 , and it brings assurance, 1 John 3:18,19. On His part, Christ promises to confess before His Father in heaven the names of all who trust Him, Rev. 3:5.
When fellowship with the Father has been lost because of known sin, confession to Him results in the free granting of forgiveness and the restoration of fellowship, 1 John 1:9. This is in contrast with the popular notion that believers must ask God for forgiveness in fervent prayer.
In OT days also, the confession and forsaking of sins brought mercy from God, Prov. 28:13. David was forgiven after he confessed his sins to God, Psa. 32:5. Revival came in Ezra’s time after he had confessed his sins and those of his people, Ezra 9:6; 10:1. While Daniel was confessing his sin and that of the nation Israel, the angel Gabriel came to him with a new revelation from God, Dan. 9:20–27. Confession led to blessing in Luke 15:21–24.
I HOPE YOU RECEIVED FROM THIS VERY POWERFUL QUICK STUDY.
PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
EVERLASTING SALVATION CHURCH OF GOD MINISTRIES
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