CONFESSION 1 John 1:7-10

What is Confession Thayer: – 1) to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent – 2) to concede – 2a) not to refuse, to promise – 2b) not to deny – 2b1) to confess – 2b2) declare – 2b3) to confess, i.e. to admit or declare one’s self guilty of what one is accused of – 3) to profess – 3a) to declare openly, speak out freely

Observations About Confession Know who to baptize – Acts 8:37 Commanded – James 5:16; 1 John 1:9 Not repentance (change of mind) – 1 Corinthians 2:11 – Only way to know one has repented When is public confession necessary? – Principle set forth in Matthew 18:15-17

Abuse of Public Confession Avoid Responsibility To Individual – May have sinned against someone, BUT: – State publicly, "I've said things I shouldn't" "Whitewash" sin – Say, "I used poor judgment" or "IF I have sinned"

Abuse of Public Confession Ease one's conscience – Substitute "Coming forward" for repentance Outward show – To be seen of men – Want "visible (countable) results" – Preachers sometimes encourage this Speak of "number" of responses

Do I "Have To?" Won't Ask this if one has repented – Will want everyone who knows of the sin to know you have repented ● Pride prevents many from saying, "I have sinned!"

What Must I Do To Be Saved? ● Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17) ● Believe Jesus is Christ (Acts 8:37) ● Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30) ● Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32) ● Baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38) ● Faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10)