by Karen Gross

Created on: May 19, 2010   Last Updated: May 20, 2010

We should confess our sins because the word of God commands us to do so: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)

The Catholic Church has responded to this command by instituting the sacrament of confession. Rather than confessing their sins to each other, however, the Catholic penitent confesses his/her sins to a priest in a small booth. Upon hearing the confession from one who is truly repentant of his/her sins, the priest grants absolution from guilt. The priest may, at his own discretion, grant a conditional absolution on promise to satisfy a penance.

The Catholic Encyclopedia adds this caveat for anyone who might think that this sacrament does nothing to deter parishioners from indulging in sinful behavior: “It is not sinner is greater than before. (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13649b.htm)

Evangelical churches do not have a formal sacrament of confession. We do believe that confession of sin is important for our spiritual growth, but this confession need not necessarily be made to an ordained minister. Many Christians have a mentor relationship with an older Christian, and confession of sin is usually a part of this disciple/student relationship.

We can also confess our sins one to another with an accountability partner or within a small care group. Many Evangelical churches have study groups and/or care groups established.

Every Christian should strive to set aside some time every day to spend in personal prayer and Bible reading. Confession is a necessary part of personal prayer. God knows that we will sin, and He offers this proviso in 1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

God has promised to forgive our sins when we pray with a repentant heart. But confession to another person is a humbling experience. Choosing to make ourselves accountable to another person or a group can be a powerful motivator when we try to change our behavior. It works well in twelve step groups, where each new member is paired with a sponsor who has succeeded in overcoming addiction. The same program that helps an addict to conquer an addiction to alcohol or drugs can help a Christian who wants to give up gossip, selfishness, or rage. As we read in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Confession is good for the soul, especially when the confession is a prayer to a God who can and will forgive our sin, cleanse our soul, remove the stains of guilt and shame, and free us from our slavery to sin.

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