Lesson 2: Confession 25
BIBLE COMMENTS
Understanding the Context
Television crime series are often saturated with the following lines: “He
confessed when we arrested him.” Or, “If only we can get a confession
from her we can wrap up this case.”
Maybe you have heard someone say, “Confession is good for the
soul.” But, what does confession do for the soul?
We might think we have this confession thing down pat, but there
is still much to learn and experience as we deepen our understanding
of the discipline of confession. The passages in this study can lead us to
fertile ground for new thinking and application.
Psalm 51 is one of several psalms representing lament or peniten-
tial themes. See Psalms 6, 13, 22, 30, 31, 32, 35, 39, 51, 69, 71, 91, 102,
103, and 130, for example. These psalms have several characteristics in
common: a problem raised; a complaint toward God or self; a complaint
about adversaries; trust; petition; a vow to praise and service; and an
appeal to God’s power. These psalms of lament were models used by
individuals and those in corporate worship settings. Both uses provide
contemporary believers with resources for confession and experiencing
forgiveness.
“Confession” comes to us in the New Testament with some alterna-
tive applications. One is that of actions and statements communicating
one’s passion for the gospel. Another is that which is the proper response
to the first—confession of one’s sin and sins. The first application—pro-
claiming one’s passion for the gospel’s power—resides throughout the
New Testament. Read any of Paul’s letters and notice his consistent
advice to believers to confess (or profess) the work of God in the world
and in their individual lives.
Few directives come for believers to confess their sin, though 1 John
1:9 is a prime example. More often there are examples of confession pre-
sented. See Luke 15, the story of the prodigal son, or the tax collector in
Luke 18. 1 John 1:9 directs us to confess, but also demonstrates the con-
nection between confession and forgiveness. For those who understand
the imperative, this verse provides sustenance for those who hunger and