This is an important question that many Christians struggle with. 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” So if our sins are already forgiven through Christ’s death on the cross, why do we still need to confess them? Here are some key reasons:
1. Confession restores our fellowship with God
When we sin, it damages our intimate relationship with God. Even though we are already forgiven through Christ, unconfessed sin can make us feel distant from God. Confession restores the joy of our salvation and opens the lines of communication with our Heavenly Father. As 1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” Confession brings us back into close fellowship with the Lord.
2. Confession aligns us with God’s heart and character
When we confess our sins, we are agreeing with God that what we did was wrong. This aligns our heart with His perfect moral standards. God is holy and hates sin. Confession demonstrates that we share His perspective on sinful behaviors and attitudes. It reaffirms that we want to reflect His righteous character.
3. Confession removes barriers to our prayers
Unconfessed sin can hinder our prayers. As Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Confession clears the way for our prayers to be heard by the Lord. It eliminates anything in our heart that would make God stop His ears to our requests.
4. Confession brings spiritual cleansing and renewal
In 1 John 1:9, God promises that when we confess our sins, He will purify us from all unrighteousness. His cleansing spiritual power will wash over the darkest stains from sin and make our hearts fresh and new. Confession opens the floodgates to this renewing work of the Holy Spirit in our souls.
5. Confession breaks sin’s control over us
Unconfessed sin gives the enemy a foothold in our lives. Bringing our sins into the light through confession deprives Satan of his ability to accuse and enslave us. Explicitly naming and taking responsibility for our sins removes any power that secrecy and darkness gave them. The act of confession allows God’s love to melt away sin’s icy grip on our hearts.
6. Confession brings release from guilt and shame
Carrying the heavy burden of unconfessed sin leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and condemnation. But when we humble ourselves and agree with what God says about our sin, we experience His full forgiveness which washes away our guilt. As 1 John 1:9 promises, He cleanses us from all unrighteousness, including the stain of guilt. Our souls find freedom when we confess our sins to Him.
7. Confession makes our repentance complete
Repentance is turning away from sin, but confession gives completeness to our repentance. Admitting to God we were wrong both positions our hearts against that sin, and exalts God’s righteousness. Saying the words, “God I sinned against you” finishes the process of repentance God wants to work in our lives.
8. Confession clears our accounts with God
Even after conversion, we can accumulate spiritual debt when we sin. Confession clears accounts and puts us back to a clean slate position before God. King David cried out for this when after his adultery he prayed, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin…Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean” (Psalm 51:2,7). Confession fully blotted out his debt of sin before God.
9. Confession removes satanic grounds against us
Revelation 12:10 tells us Satan is the “accuser of our brethren” before God. When we confess and turn from sin, it removes the ground that gives him any right to accuse us before the throne of God. Confession silences his condemning voice and nullifies his arguments against us.
10. Confession brings spiritual health
Unconfessed sin is like an untreated infection in the body. It leads to spiritual numbness, weakness, and sickness. But confession acts like a healing balm, bringing life, sensation, and vitality back to a sin-sick soul. It’s a key to walking in holiness and spiritual health.
11. Confession restores our usefulness to God
Sinful choices disqualify us from being useful vessels for the Lord. When the prophet Daniel set his heart to confess his sin and the sin of his people, God gave him a message saying, “You are greatly loved…so make up your mind that you will be of use to Me.” (Daniel 9:23). Confession prepares us to be of use again in God’s work.
12. Confession opens the door to God’s blessings
Isaiah 59:2 tells us our iniquities cause God to hide His face from us. But Proverbs 28:13 promises, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Confession opens the floodgates of God’s mercy and ushers in spiritual blessings He had been withholding.
13. Confession grants victory over temptation
Unconfessed sin creates a beachhead that gives the enemy a revived grip over certain areas of our life. But confession cuts off the enemy’s access and closes the door to further temptation. It enlists the Holy Spirit’s aid to gain victory over those specific sins.
14. Confession changes our future actions
Confession has the power to break sinful cycles and habits that previously controlled us. Bringing our sins into the light diffuses their power over us. The strength and perspective gained through confession keep us from repeating those choices that harmed our walk with God.
15. Confession clears the path for God’s promotion
Psalm 66:18 tells us God will not listen to those who regard iniquity in their hearts. But as we humbly confess our sins, it removes the obstacles to God answering our prayers and opening new doors of service to Him. Staying quick to confess prepares us for God’s next chapter in our lives.
In summary, confession plays a vital ongoing role for believers who have already been forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. It keeps our relationship with God real, close and clean. It grants renewed spiritual power and protection against the enemy. Walking in honesty through confession positions our heart to receive the fullness of joy and blessing God desires for His children.