Confession - Is It Not Good For The Soul?

Most people have heard of the phrase, “Confession is good for the soul.” Do we have any idea where this saying was coined? Probably not, but we do have another saying that relays the same truth and it is found in 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. Could it be said that this is the key verse for restoring our relationship with the heavenly Father? Probably yes. The wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, wrote essentially the same thing, warning, He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Confession of sin is manifested by repentance, as was the case of David after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba (Psalm 51). It is also manifested by self-abasement (humility/dishonor). Jeremiah put it this way, We lie down in our shame, and our reproach covers us. For we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God (Jer. 3:25). The apostle Paul said, For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted...(2 Cor. 7:10a). Confession is even manifested by restitution (compensation/amends). The children of Israel were made to do this when they were found guilty of any sin against the Lord.

Now that we see how the confession of sin is manifested, what will be the results of our confession? First there is forgiveness, as stated earlier in 1 John 1:9. Secondly there is pardon, concerning David (Psalm 32:1-5). Thirdly there is renewed fellowship (Psalm 51:12-19). Lastly there is healing. Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:16a).

Our sins are not something that we should take lightly. It is true that our sins will find us out, as they did with David and others in the Holy Scriptures. We want to make sure that we stay confessed up so that we will find ourselves continually being cleansed by the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ. This will assure our entrance into the heavenly kingdom Christ is now preparing for each of us.

God's Blessings!

Eddie