Confession

One of the most remarkable chapters in the Old Testament is (Ps. 51). This psalm contains the actual words of confession uttered by King David after his great sins of adultery and murder (2 Sam. 11).

This prayer can serve as a pattern to Christians when guilty of sin today.

a. David begins his prayer by freely admitting his sin (Ps. 51:3,4). This honesty is vital in our confession. God will graciously forgive all our sins, but not on account of our excuses.

b. He then displays real sorrow over his sin (Ps. 51:17). Paul writes (2 Cor. 7:10) that the main characteristic of true confession is godly sorrow.

c. He asks God's forgiveness (Ps. 51: 1,7-9).

d. He believes God has heard him and will restore him (Ps. 51:12-15).

In the New Testament the most important single verse concerning confession is (1 John 1:9). In essence John tells us the means of forgiveness and cleansing is the blood of Christ, while the method of this forgiveness and cleansing is the confession of the Christian.

Like David, we must admit our sin, plead the blood of Christ, and believe that God has indeed done what He promised, namely, to cleanse us from sin and restore us to fellowship and service.

(Rom. 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.