---Biblical Confession
--By: David Woetzel, B.S.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9).- bible

Although few matters are more important than renewing a right relationship with God, there is a great deal of confusion that abounds regarding the proper manner of confessing our sins. The Biblical model for confession is clearly given in Psalm 51 where David, under inspiration, deals with his sin of adultery. Note how the focus of this passage is on God, rather than upon any other man or even on David's own needs and desires.

First, the Psalm highlights the basis of proper forgiveness--God's mercy: "according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions" (v.1). Secondly, David underscores how his sin has offended God. "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned" (vv.3-4). Then we note that David requests God's cleansing: "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. . . . Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (vv.7,10).

Only after this process does David request: "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation" (v.12). Even this restoration of joy and fellowship of God's Spirit is requested that he might again use his life to glorify God. "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. . . . my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. . . . Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness" (vv.13, 15, 19).

Biblical confession deals with our relationship with God on His terms. It is essentially agreeing with God about the specific spiritual failures in our life. After such a process we can claim God's promise found in our text to "forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

star [We must never think that we can run around sinning and thinking, 'after all God said He will forgive us'. God knows our hearts. He requires "a broken spirit and a contrite spirit". To sin before a Holy and Righteous God will bring condemnation on us. We do reap what we sow. "Be sure your sins will find you out." We don't get away with anything with our powerful Jehovah, He knows out hearts. As soon as the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we must confess it to God, Repent of it, and ask His forgiveness, from our heart.
Did David sin again? Yes, he was human, just as we are. He had Bathsheba's husband killed, and he also had Joab run a census on the people. Sadly, we reap what we sow, and their baby died. All of which he sincerely repented for. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."] ~~~

--ICR/DW / SECOND CHANCE / BY: HILLSONG
<http://youtu.be/QHlTzQlTLFE>
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Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]