Confession and Repentance

In dealing with the sin problem that has plagued mankind since the Garden, two things are needed from both God and man. God dealt with the sin problem by giving us both mercy and forgiveness through the shed blood of Christ. Our part involves confession and repentance. Confessing our sins and accepting Jesus' payment for our sin debt is part one and is usually the easier part (although a hardened heart doesn't see the need for confession). Part two--repentance--can be a little tougher to grasp, yet is absolutely essential.

Confessing means to admit our sin and see it as God sees it--as an offense to his holiness. Repenting means to feel sorrow for sin as to be disposed to change our life for the better. Without repentance--without a change in our life--we easily fall prey to the same sins over and over again. Notice what happened in John 8 as Jesus charged those who had brought the woman caught in adultery to cast the first stone if they themselves were without sin. When all who had accused her departed because they couldn't meet this impossible requirement, Jesus assured the woman of his forgiveness and commanded her to go and sin no more (v.11). Our Savior knew that repentance is the key to lasting change and victory over our sinful nature.

1 John 1:9 promises that God will forgive us and cleanse us if we confess our sins. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God's desire is that no one should perish and that all would repent. God's already done his part. Now it's our turn.