The marks of the Christian life involves daily confession and repentance. This is achieved through relationship with God and one another. Prayer that includes the ingredient of faith can move mountains (Mt 17:20). This is an important truth to embrace because there is no greater summit of obstruction in our connection with God and others than in unconfessed sin. Solomon reminds us of the unprofitability of not engaging in this means of grace, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Prv 28:13). Likewise, James gives the following exhortation, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous person has great power as it is working” (v16). Here are some divine benefits of confession:
Prayer is the beginning of a God ordered reconciliation. The practice of mutual prayer that involves confession starts us down the road of spiritual strength and comfort in God. It demonstrates a love filled with humility for one another that begins to repair the bond of peace.
Healing is the fruit of confession. James exhorts, “…pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Confession involves emptying of our souls of what should not be there. The purging of our sin can have a violent effect, like a foreign agent that enters our bellies that must be vomited out of our system before recovery can begin. The ugliness of our offenses against one another must be cast out into light of day before a sound mind and godly affections can regain its throne within us. Remember, when David confessed his adultery with Bathsheba, he asked for God’s cleansing power to remove the soul staining sin from within him, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” Ps 51:7).
Mutual prayer of confession among the saints has power in its working. We holdfast to faith that God will bring forth healing in our relationships. Such prayer is effective because we believe forgiveness is made available always to those who engage in this means of grace. This spiritual discipline is the mark of the righteous. Why? Because we trust God’s way is better than our own. Such faith leads to action according to his Word and reaps the rewards of God.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com