As Christians many of us have heard and been told that we need to confess our sins; yet, many of us don’t

really understand for ourselves

what is confession or confessing? We all have this questions in ourselves about confession and keep it a secret to ourselves; not about
confessing itself, but the practical questions about confession; 1) what exactly is confession and what is it supposed to be like? Do I tell
it all reciting everything? Do 2) Does confession always include repentance and turning from sin? 3) Should it be public and/or private
confession? Meaning do I have to tell someone? 4) If Christ died for my sins, didn’t God forgive me already any way whether I confess
or not?

1. What exactly is confession and what does it to look like.

Many of us believe we know the answers to the above questions from because we got it from other believers or our Church, and this
may be true. However, let’s answer these questions from a Scriptural standpoint. First off, the word “confess” is used only 26 times
throughout the Holy Bible, 11 times in the Old Testament and 15 times in the New Testament. So to answer the question from a Biblical
standpoint, we need to examine the Scriptures to understand the true meaning of Biblical confession. Let’s look at the word “confess”.

The word “confess” in the Old Testament is the Hebrew word ‫ יָדָ ה‬yâḏâ. It’s used in the Old Testament 4 times about confessing
iniquities (‫‘ עָ ֹון‬âôn; moral wrongs – sins); 4 times for confessing or acknowledging thy Name (meaning acknowledging God the Creator
as Holy, Righteous, etc.); 1 time confessing transgression (‫ פֶּ שַׁ ע‬p̱eša‘; rebellion, trespass or violation); 1 time for confessing of sin in
general; 1 time when the Lord was speaking with Job, telling him that when he is able to do the things God can do, then He would
confess Job can save himself (God was being rhetorical).

The word “confess” ὁμολογέω homologeō is used 15 times in the New Testament; 2 times about confessing Jesus before man and 2
times of man not confessing Jesus before man; 1 time speaking about the debate between the Sadducees and Pharisee’s regarding
resurrection, angels and spirits; 1 time of Paul confessing God before others; 1 time telling us that if we believe in our heart and confess
with our mouth Jesus as Lord, we will receive salvation; 2 times that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus as Lord;
1 time Paul confessing Jesus among the gentiles; 1 time of confessing sins one to another; 1 confess our sins before God and He is
faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us; 2 times confessing Jesus as the Son of God, God dwells with us; 1 time where many will
not confess Jesus came in the flesh.

Let’s start with the Hebrew word “confess” ‫ יָדָ ה‬yâḏâ; it is a verb with a root meaning, “the extended hand, hold out the hand, to throw
out the hand. It therefore means to worship with extended hand.” It is a gesture of submissiveness, a humbly acknowledging. It is the
meaning of submitting to God, acknowledging His Holiness, His righteousness, His sovereignty. Holding out one’s hand is a gesture,
a sign of our surrender to Him as Lord and to His Lordship in our lives.

Remember the movie Planet of the Apes when the apes wanted to acknowledge Cesar as their leader, as he passed by, they held out their
hand as a sign of surrender and submissiveness to him. Anthropologist have studied Chimpanzees for years and have observed how
lower-ranking chimpanzees will show respect by submissively gesturing body language of reaching out their hands while grunting. This
is the meaning of “confess” ‫ יָדָ ה‬yâḏâ; the extended hand, hold out the hand, to throw out the hand.
Now, what’s interesting is the Hebrew word ‫ יָדָ ה‬yâḏâ also means “to know” – comprehend, consider, declare, have knowledge of. ‫יָדָ ה‬
yâḏâ is a common root word in the Hebrew language, and has a wide range of meanings depending upon the context in which the word
is used, just Like the English words “know”, “were/where, we’re”. the Hebrew word ‫ יָדָ ה‬yâḏâ can indicate mental knowledge, that is,
that a person "understands" or "has knowledge" of something, as when we say “I know that 2 + 2 is 4” and/or extended hand.

If we apply the comprehensive meaning of the word “confess” ‫ יָדָ ה‬yâḏâ, it would say to us, “I know, comprehend and declare God is
sovereign, righteous, holy and true, and I extend out my hand as a gesture of my submissiveness to the Lord acknowledging His decrees,
laws, precepts and statutes are true and right and I agree with them and that I am wrong in my violation of them.

The word “confess” in the New Testament ὁμολογέω homologeō shares a similar meaning as the Old Testament Hebrew term for
“confess,” although the actual meaning of ὁμολογέω homologeō is: to say the same the same thing as another - it signifies an agreement
or consent. ὁμολογέω homologeō is often used in a legal context in which a man agrees with the statement of another such as conceding
or confessing to something before a judge.

“Confess” ὁμολογέω homologeō in a Christian sense, means to literally to say the same thing as God; that is, to agree or to acknowledge
fully about a thing; that thing is God and God’s word. it is to say the same thing as God, i.e. to submit to, agree with, assent to, concede,
not to refuse, not deny that God is true and every man a liar. If God’s word says it, I agree with it (period).

If we apply the Biblical meaning of “confess,” ‫ יָדָ ה‬yâḏâ; and ὁμολογέω homologeō ; as Christians we then understand that confession
is to own, admit, to declare, acknowledge and avow that God is true, right and just. Confession is reconciling my thoughts and believes
to line up with God’s truth about a thing. It is to agree with God, forsaking my previous disagreement with Him, both to a violation,
fault, misdeed or weakness to His laws, precepts, statutes and testimonies and covenants, to the submission of acknowledging His
Lordship. It is to plead guilty; an admission of a previous disagreement with God, His laws, precepts, statutes and testimonies, and to
humbly submit to acknowledge my transgressions, iniquities and trespasses to God.
.
As a Christian, the standard is always God’s word uncompromised. Meaning, “let God be true and every man a liar,” especially to His
laws, precepts, statutes and testimonies. When one confesses Jesus Christ as Saviour, he/she acknowledges that what he/she previously
thought or believed of Christ was wrong and that now he/she agrees with God that the Christ paid for their sins. Also, when a Christian
confesses specific sins in their life, he/she agrees with what God says about that sin and acknowledges his/her guilt, violation, fault,
misdeed or weakness; as well as, any previous disagreement with God’s laws, precepts and statutes regarding the issue.
So, to confess is to line up with God’s word and humble and submit yourself to it and acknowledge the sovereignty if His word in your
life. But you have to come to “know” it first. As Paul said in Rom. 7:7 “What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not!
Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if
the law had not said, “You shall not covet. 8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence
(coveting).”

2. Does confession always include repentance and turning from sin?

This is not an easy question to answer for anyone. One would like to say, “yes, true confession will always involve turning from that
sin which is confessed”. It is without question; this is ideally the way it should be. However, this is more than likely not always the
case because people are weak and fallible. What believer has not confessed a sin only to turn back to that very sin he or she confessed
with a heart towards forsaken that sin? Paul, a very spiritual man, and I doubt any of us are as spiritual and as Christian as Paul, testifies
in Rom. 7:14-25, though he confessed his sin with a heart towards forsaking his sin, he found himself falling back to the same sin. Does
this mean that Paul, who confessed his sin but at some point did not come to a full turning from his sin, was not “forgiven and cleansed”
of the sin he committed? Well, I for one, believe God not only forgave Paul but cleansed him of his unrighteousness. This stands to
reason because there has been no greater champion of the Gospel of man than Paul. So, let’s believe that God forgave Paul each time
he confessed and cleansed him of his unrighteousness.

Nevertheless, it is quite clear just from the meaning of the word confession and knowing that God always requires us to cast off the
shackles of sin, that confession is no mere mouthing of acknowledging a particular sin. It is agreeing with what God says is sin and that
you have a viewpoint in yourself to forsake the violation of His precepts, statutes and laws (repentance). We are to have the attitude
when we confess of an expectation of turning from the particular sin. It is not just the mere mouthing of the words “forgive me for my
sin of _____”. It is also having a heart towards turning from the sin.

Yet, and still, why is it that so many confess their sin, have a heart towards turning from the sin; yet, find themselves falling back to that
same sin? Come on now! We’ve all been there. First off, we must understand that in most cases, the fault is not in the confession, as if
our confession was somehow defective. Don’t let the devil fool you. Most of us do confess with a sincere heart; however, most
oftentimes the problem is our not appropriating the means available to give us victory over the sin. We lapse into the same sin again
because we are overwhelmed or overtaken by the flesh and/or the enemy (devil). In other words, there is no guarantee in the Word of
God, that even though you confess with a sincere heart to forsake the sin, you become exempt from falling back into that particular sin
the rest of your life. Truth be told, many of us have not appropriated the necessary means yet to overcome and walk after the spirit not
fulfilling the desires of the flesh. But, I encourage you, keep going, keep believing God and His Word and you will get there.
As Scripture tells us “there is no temptation that has overtaken (overwhelmed) you that is not common to man, but God is faithful…but
will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Cor. 10:13). For many of us, we do not apply to
faith to overcome our sin as Scripture tells us is 2 Cor. 10:4-6 “and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God
to the pulling down strongholds 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,
and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your
obedience is fulfilled.

So, in most instances, it’s not our confession that is deficient, it’s being able to distinguish in ourselves why I have not turned from the
sin; i.e, 1) whole hearted confession of truth; 2) our past life conformity (yes, we came with problems and issues and still retain the pride
in ourselves); and 3) the power of sin, the flesh and the devil. (Rom. 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in
me. Rom. 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

So, although true confession must include a heart towards forsaking and turning from that sin, there’s no guarantee of not committing
that same sin again; and if you do, you must confess it again, and again, and again, until you gain the victory over the sin.

Does that make sense? Does it answer the question about confession including repentance and turning from sin? I hope so. I truly hope
this blesses those who need to be blessed with this understanding.

3. Should confession be public or private?

First, let me start off by saying, primarily “all confession is before and to God!” Nevertheless, there are occasions when some sort of
public acknowledgement of sin is necessary and appropriate. The public can be one other person or the entire Church. An example of
this can be found in Matt. 18:15-17:

15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three
witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a
pagan or a tax collector.

In most instances, public confession of inter-personal specific sins is often completely inappropriate. A changed life is a public
confession, but the confession of certain sins in public may be entirely out of place. Although, many Christians will point to James
5:16 as affirmation of public confession, it is because of taking this Scripture out of context. The NIV and other translations have put
the word “sin” in place of “faults” in James 5:16, which changes the complexion of the passage. The passage actually speaks to
something more than just sin. James 5:16 KJV reads:

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much.

The word “faults” is the word παράπτωμα paraptō ma; which means a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (wilful)
transgression: — fall, fault, offence, sin, trespass. It is the connotation to fall beside or near something, a lapse or deviation from truth
and uprightness. We today call it today “back-sliding” or “back-slider”. The passage is not saying for one to confess “a” sin or sins but
for them to confess their back-sliding or turning away from the Gospel, which entails sinful living. If you read the context of the passage
James 5:16-20, especially verses 19-20 you will get the truer meaning and understanding of the passage:

16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much. 17Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on
the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her
fruit. 19Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner
from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Reading the passage in context, we know it is not talking about confessing sin or sins but confession of backslider (err from the truth),
turning from the Christian life. For that person, they must again confess and renounce their sinful life style and beckon to be restored
back unto rightful fellowship with Christ Jesus. The purpose is for the backslider to invoke the prayers of the righteous to intervene on
their behalf before God for their deliverance; such as Moses and other Prophets, who interceded before God on behalf of the peoples’
sins. The key to this passage is vs.19 which says, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him”. The word “convert” is
ἐπιστρέφω epistrephō; which means to revert: come (go) again, return. So the passage is speaking of bringing a brother or sister back
to the Lord, it’s not speaking about confession of sin(s), because Scriptures says, if you bring a brother or sister back again you will play
a huge part in their “hide” (καλύπτω kalyptō = cover) a multitude of sins”. Them confessing and renouncing their ways and returning
to Christ is the juxtaposition of the passage – so that “all” the sins committed while living back in the world would be covered – forgiven;
not the confession of a sin or sins.

Even still, for those Christians who still feel that public confession of their sins are necessary, I would advise as a guideline in relation
to the public confession of sin; (1) Whose voice is prompting the public confession- (Holy Spirit, the devil, or your own guilty? For
many of us it is another yoke of shame the devil causes us to place on ourselves. The devil (the great accuser) wants us to make a public
spectacle of ourselves to our shame opening ourselves us to ridicule of others. Because let’s face it, there are many people in the Church
that are still backbiters, slanders and gossipers that will be used by the enemy to further subject you to open ridicule of what the Lord
has forgiven, cleansed and washed you of. So, unless you know you are compelled or lead by the Lord to publically confess why do it?
And that leads right into (2) Is it edifying to yourselves or the Church? He tells us in Eph. 4:15-16:

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body
fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part,
maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. And, Eph. 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your
mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

The Bible is quite clear that all things should be done for the purpose of edifying the Church (1 Cor. 14:26: How is it then, brethren?
when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all
things be done unto edifying.

Now, consider your public confession. What’s your purpose? Consider whether or not it’s for you or God? Is it to edify the Church?
Is it for any means that would help a brother or sister with their struggles (minister grace unto the hearers)? Or is it you wanting to
unload some guilt your carrying? If it’s the later, then you know you still have some work towards understanding and receiving the
Grace of God. It is God whom are confessions of faith should be made. Amen!

Know, although public confession is not always appropriate, there are occasions when public confession is needed. Eph. 5:11-21 says,

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those
things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make
manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then
that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise,
but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking
to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always
for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of
God.

The word “reprove” is ἐλέγχω elegchō ; means to, admonish, tell a fault (παράπτωμα paraptō ma; a side-slip, lapse or deviation,
unintentional or wilfull error or transgression); rebuke oneself, tell one's fault, generally to bring to the light, to expose. This passage
ends with vs. 21 saying, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” There are some sins in our lives that have taken us
captive and we hide them in the darkness, and the darkness is why these sins have a hold over us, to our private shame. Scripture tells
us that these type of sins need to be manifested into the light, so that they may be exposed and the secret of them no longer holds its
sting or power over us. Publically confessing these type of sins exposes them and gives us accountability before God. However, even
in this case, for the most part there’s no need for a public confession to many but to another. One or others that knows and understand
your struggles because they know the experience. Because they do, they are able to come alongside you to help you through it, deal
with shame, guilty and the struggles having a knowledge and understanding. It does no good to confess to others who cannot understand
your plight and can offer you no understanding, no advice or wisdom of overcoming. This is what was meant by Jesus when He told
Peter, “when you are converted (come through it), strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:32).

Gal. 6:1-2
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

We all know that when you’re dealing with someone that understands your plight, they are more understanding because they can relate,
empathize and sympathize, and because of this they usually will help you with a spirit of meekness, help bear your burden and personally
feel lead to help you overcome. This is the body of Christ at work, God sending you to or sending one to you that has been through
what you’re going through. In such cases, you have to confess with honesty before such brother or sister, group or counselor, so that
you may be delivered and freed. Amen!

So, just publicly confessing before anybody or groups of people who have no understanding of your struggle with the sin does nothing
more than bring ridicule, slander and gossip, even with those who may have a sympathetic heart. If your heart is turned towards
repentance and turning from the sin(s) and your confession is before God, He will lead you to who and where you need to go to manifest
to the light, reprove and be held accountable before Him to overcome.

4. If Christ died for my sins, aren’t I already forgiven any way?

The answer is yes. When we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, you were given a new birth into the family of God eternally and
will never be cut off. Nevertheless, the spiritual family of God is like an earthly family, sometimes there is a break in fellowship in the
relationship between the parent and the child because of disobedience. Though the disobedience does not expel the child from the
family, it does affect the fellowship and the enjoyment of the relationship and privileges in the family life. The same thing happens
when we sin against our Heavenly Father. He doesn’t cast us out of the family but He is grieved and we cannot enjoy full fellowship
with Him. Sin does cause a temporal interruption of fellowship with God. However, scripture tells us, 1 John 2:1-2:
1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus
Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

See Jesus is our advocate, our atonement for acceptance into this Spiritual family, and He (Jesus) gives us the access to the Father to
receive the forgiveness, cleansing and washing of our disobedience – sin, in order for us to be restored in our family relationship before
God the Father. Our confession regains the temporal lost fellowship. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Instantaneous, our family privileges are restored. Amen!

Moreover, confession before God is based upon faith in His grace, not of ourselves. It affirms our belief and faith that God is gracious
and merciful. Amen!

I hope this gave you more understanding of what it means to confess.