The Ongoing Need for Confession in the Christian Life Understanding why believers continue to confess sins despite complete forgiveness in Christ. January 5th, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

The Ongoing Need for Confession in the Christian Life

Understanding why believers continue to confess sins despite complete forgiveness in Christ.

January 5th, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

As Christians, we rejoice in the assurance that through Christ's sacrifice, all our sins past, present, and future have been forgiven. Colossians 2:13–14 affirms this truth: "God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness... nailing it to the cross."

Given this complete forgiveness, some may wonder why ongoing confession of sins remains necessary in the believer's life. Understanding the distinction between the accomplished work of redemption and its ongoing application in our lives provides clarity.

Accomplished Redemption vs. Applied Redemption

Christ's redemptive work on the cross is a finished, once-for-all event. This "accomplished redemption" means that the penalty for sin has been fully paid. However, the "applied redemption" refers to how this finished work is realized in our daily lives. While our legal standing before God is secured, our ongoing relationship with Him involves daily sanctification and communion.

The Role of Ongoing Confession

1. Maintaining Fellowship with God

   While our judicial forgiveness is complete, unconfessed sin can hinder our relational intimacy with God. 1 John 1:9 encourages believers: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This confession restores and deepens our fellowship with Him.

2. Cultivating Humility and Dependence

   Regular confession reminds us of our ongoing need for God's grace, fostering humility and dependence on Him. It keeps us aware of our weaknesses and the sufficiency of Christ's strength.

3. Promoting Spiritual Growth

   Acknowledging and turning from our sins through confession is a vital aspect of sanctification. It allows the Holy Spirit to transform us more into the likeness of Christ, producing spiritual maturity.

4. Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

   Confession is a weapon against the deceitfulness of sin. By bringing our transgressions into the light, we prevent sin from gaining a foothold in our lives, thus maintaining spiritual vigilance.

Avoiding Misconceptions

It's crucial to understand that ongoing confession is not about earning forgiveness or performing penance. As John Piper explains, "Confessing is not a payment. It is simply an agreement with God that this was an ugly and unworthy thing for me to do, and I’m ashamed of it.

Conclusion

While Christ's sacrifice has secured our eternal forgiveness, ongoing confession remains a vital practice for maintaining a healthy, growing relationship with God. It reflects our acknowledgment of sin, our desire for continual transformation, and our commitment to walking closely with our Savior.

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