CONFESSION

1 John 1:7-10

What is Confession

Thayer:– 1) to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent– 2) to concede– 2a) not to refuse, to promise– 2b) not to deny– 2b1) to confess– 2b2) declare– 2b3) to confess, i.e. to admit or declare one’s self guilty of

what one is accused of– 3) to profess– 3a) to declare openly, speak out freely

Observations About Confession

Know who to baptize– Acts 8:37

Commanded– James 5:16; 1 John 1:9

Not repentance (change of mind)– 1 Corinthians 2:11 – Only way to know

one has repented When is public confession necessary?

– Principle set forth in Matthew 18:15-17

Abuse of Public Confession

Avoid Responsibility To Individual– May have sinned against someone, BUT:– State publicly, "I've said things I shouldn't"

"Whitewash" sin– Say, "I used poor judgment" or "IF I have

sinned"

Abuse of Public Confession

Ease one's conscience– Substitute "Coming forward" for repentance

Outward show– To be seen of men– Want "visible (countable) results"– Preachers sometimes encourage this

Speak of "number" of responses

Do I "Have To?"

Won't Ask this if one has repented– Will want everyone who knows of the sin

to know you have repented

● Pride prevents many from saying, "I have sinned!"

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

● Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17)● Believe Jesus is Christ (Acts 8:37)● Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30)● Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32)● Baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38)● Faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10)