We have stated that the biblical formula for salvation is conviction plus confession plus conversion equals salvation. Simply put the design of true salvation consists of conviction leading to confession followed by conversion. When the Holy Spirit begins to deal with us He starts with convicting us of our sinfulness. He causes us to see our sin for what it is and how it separates us from God. When we are convicted we must then deal with that conviction through confession. Without conviction, confession would be meaningless. Without conviction without confession is useless. The two primary passages in the word of God that deal with confession are Romans 10:9-10 and 1 John 1:9. One primarily deals with confession in relation to salvation, that is becoming a Christian, a child of God, and the other primarily in relation to sanctification, living as a child of God. Both, however, have application to every single one of us. Remember, as I have said, the pattern conviction plus confession plus conversion is for both salvation and sanctification.
What does it mean confession of sin?
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." If we Confess – if we acknowledge and assent to our sins - denial of sin protects, preserves, perpetuates that sin!
Confession is not merely a mental understanding of the fact that a sin has been committed that is being asked for - even the demons understand on some level that they have violated God’s commands (they just don’t really care). Confession is not just a mental assent to having sinned or acknowledgement of your sin. Confession does not mean rendering lip service, or mouthing deeds with vain repetition. It means calling sin for what it is – sin. Likewise confession is not an announcement. It is easy to say "I have sinned but…" and then seek to justify or whitewash our sins. Consider Adam and Eve in the garden after disobeying God. God confronts Adam who basically states. "I sinned. I disobeyed. But it’s not MY fault; it’s THAT WOMAN YOU gave me." God turns to Eve who says, "Yes I sinned and dragged Adam into it; but it’s not MY fault. It was THAT SNAKE in the grass." Confession of sin means owning up to it and seeing it as God sees it. A true confession is a complete admission of guilt. No rationalizing, no blaming. It should be further noted that in 1 John 1:9 the plural "sins" indicates that the confession is to be specific as well as general. Confession is necessary for fellowship. Sin builds a barrier between us and God. Confession puts us on the same page with God about our sins. Proverbs 28:13 (MKJV) "He who covers his sins shall not be blessed; but whoever confesses and leaves them shall have mercy."
