There are some who raise concerns about “public confessions” of sins or faults. Good, faithful Christians who want to be sure about a subject are willing to challenge beliefs and practices of the church. One of the questions concerns the practice of making a “public confession” of sin. Is it based on Scripture? Is it of human origin? Is it denominational? Is it mandatory?
Obviously the Scriptures do not explicitly address this issue, or at least, not in one isolated verse or passage. As is the case with salvation, all the verses on the subject contribute to the correct understanding, even though there is not one verse or passage that mentions every step.
The Scriptures are not silent on the subject. By searching and carefully examining the relevant Scriptures we can learn God’s will on this. Consider the following points that deal with a Christian who sins.
1. Repentance is necessary.
Acts 8:20–24 — 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” (NKJV)
2. Confession is necessary.
1 John 1:8–10 — 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (NKJV)
3. Prayer is necessary.
Acts 8:22–24 — 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” (NKJV)
James 5:16 — 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (NKJV)
1 John 5:16–17 — 16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. (NKJV)
4. The church prays for individuals.
Acts 12:5 — 5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. (NKJV)
5. Forgiveness is necessary.
Ephesians 4:32 — 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)
Matthew 6:14–15 — 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (NKJV)
6. The command to forgive implies a knowledge of what is to be forgiven and of the person’s repentance.
Luke 17:3–4 — 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” (NKJV)
7. Therefore, all who know of the sin must know of the repentance to forgive and share in the joy.
Luke 15:7 — 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. (NKJV)
Luke 15:10 — 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (NKJV)
8. The church invites, calls, to salvation when she says, “come.”
Revelation 22:17 — 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (NKJV)
9. Just as the church can extend an invitation to the lost, she can help those who respond.
10. The repentance and confession of sins does not HAVE to be done during the singing of an invitation song, etc., but it can be. The confession and prayer can be done in private, but “as widely as the sin is known,” the sin must be forgiven. That means the good news must be made known or shared.
11. Some have been “cut to the heart” during the preaching of the gospel. They should be allowed to respond.
Acts 2:36–38 — 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
Acts 2:41 — 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (NKJV)
Acts 2:47 — 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (NKJV)
