Episode 285: What Does the Bible Say About Confession?
Confession is one of those Christian practices that many believers struggle to understand. We know 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” But James 5:16 goes further: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”
So why is confession still necessary if our sins have already been forgiven through Jesus Christ? Why does God call Christians to confess not only to Him, but also to one another? And what would happen in our churches if believers felt free to honestly acknowledge sin, weakness, and struggles without fear of gossip, shame, or condemnation?
In this episode of The Postscript Show, Brandon Briscoe sits down with Chris Best, an instructor at Living Faith Bible Institute, to examine the biblical theology and practice of confession. They discuss the difference between positional righteousness and our practical walk with God, the relationship between confession and fellowship, the role of the Holy Spirit in conviction, and how unconfessed sin can affect our prayer life, joy, relationships, and fellowship with other believers.
Brandon and Chris also explore James 5:16, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 32, 1 Corinthians 11, the Lord’s Supper, repentance, accountability, discipleship, and the role of confession within the local church. They discuss how churches can develop a healthy culture of confession rather than encouraging believers to hide their struggles or simply “perform” their faith.
The conversation also addresses an important question: Is biblical confession the same thing as the Roman Catholic practice of confessing sins to a priest? Brandon and Chris examine the historical and theological differences between Catholic sacramental confession and the New Testament teaching concerning confession, forgiveness, fellowship, prayer, and spiritual growth.
Finally, they discuss practical ways pastors and church leaders can encourage a healthy culture of confession through prayer, Bible studies, discipleship relationships, accountability, pastoral example, and the church invitation.
If you have ever wondered why Christians need to confess sin after salvation, what “confess your faults one to another” actually means, whether Christians should confess sins to a priest, or how confession should function in the local church, this episode is for you.
The Postscript Show is Living Faith Bible Institute’s weekly podcast and YouTube series featuring in-depth theological and ministry conversations with pastors, Bible scholars, missionaries, and professors.
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