Mike Focht 11/1/2024
All sinners are called to confess their sins. Even so, confession of sin is not enough. The heart of man is desperately wicked, and the words of our mouths—even words of confession—and the meditations of our hearts are not always acceptable in God’s sight. The Bible clearly teaches this when we look at those who confess with their lips: I have sinned.
Pharaoh is the first. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you.”
Balaam said the same. And Balaam said to the Angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn back.”
The exact words are in Achan’s mouth. And Achan answered Joshua and said, “Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I have done.”
King Saul confessed the same multiple times. Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.”
Judas confessed his sin. “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”
What do these confessions teach us? That confession of sin is not enough. Confession does not always mean there is true repentance of heart. Confession can be a cover, an excuse, a self-righteous defense, and even a lie.
Of course, the Scriptures show more than false confession. God also gives us examples of those who confess with their lips and sincerity of heart.
David, like Saul before him, also confessed himself a sinner on more than one occasion. So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
Later in life, David confessed again. Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, “Surely I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house.”
Nehemiah confessed his sin before God. Please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned.”
The Psalmist was quick to confess. I said, “LORD, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”
The prophet Micah did the same. I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness.
Finally, when the prodigal son came to his senses, he confessed his sin before God and man. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
What do these confessions teach us? That God is merciful to all who truly confess their sins with humble repentance of heart and life! Everyone who says I have sinned with their lips must follow that confession with the proper fruits of repentance. Confession is the outward profession that accompanies true inward repentance and transformation. The Bible clearly shows us that outward confession is not enough when inward repentance before heaven and earth does not hold sway.