Mutual Confession - Part 3

James has explained to us the value of ongoing confession of sins to one another. Ongoing confession and prayer for one another are necessary for maintaining spiritual health (James 5:13-16).

What biblical principles guide us in our practice?

1. Only God forgives sin.

The Bible never teaches that believers need a human mediator to grant us forgiveness. Forgiveness of sins comes through the completed work of Christ on the cross. It is His blood that cleanses and forgives us (1 John 1:7-9). Only one mediator, Christ Jesus, is necessary (1 Tim 2:5-6).

Therefore, the purpose of ongoing mutual confession is not to grant forgiveness.

2. The penalty for sin has been paid.

The work of Christ on the cross paid the complete penalty for all of our sins (Col 2:13-14). Nothing more needs to be, or can be added to the make up for the sins which we commit (Rom 8:1).

Therefore, the purpose of ongoing mutual confession is not to dole out punishment. Confession of sin is not an act of penance, attempting to earn favor with God, or to appease His wrath.

3. Believers have a mutual responsibility for spiritual needs.

When a believer gives in to temptation, restoration is the responsibility of mature believers (Gal 6;1-4). Part of that restoration involves praying for those who have committed sin (1 John 5:16). Restoration may involve counsel, encouragement and definitely patience (1 Thess 5:14).

Therefore, one purpose of ongoing mutual confession is to restore that individual through prayer and encouragement to a right relationship with God. It may also involve helping to restore relationships with others who have been affected by the sin.

Putting it all together

The obvious parameters need to be established: Honesty. Integrity. Consistency. Keeping confidences. Not mixed genders. Maturity. Hard work. Trust.

Such a setting would take all of those ingredients.

But as two or three believers meet on a weekly, or bi-weekly, schedule, confessing the sins which have weighed them down to one another, the others can speak the truths of God's Word to them. Reminding one another of God's forgiveness, patience, and sovereignty, will bring encouragement toward godliness.

Another advantage will be an awareness of sin. Or, perhaps more aptly put, "positive peer pressure." Knowing that I will be confessing my sins to my brothers in a few days provides one more defense in the battle against sin.

If any readers have had experience with ongoing mutual confession, I'd like to hear about it.