Confession by F. A. ZAPPE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 4, 1914

Confession

By F. A. ZAPPE

F. A. ZAPPE

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Prov. 28 : 13.

The preceding scripture brings to view the fact that it is impossible to prosper spiritually, to maintain a living experience in the things of God, while cherishing or attempting to cover sin, which separates man from the source of life and power. It is evident from the text that in complying with the simple and just and reasonable conditions of obtaining mercy and the forgiveness of sin, we must confess and forsake the very sins of which we are guilty.

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed," says the apostle. Those who would develop a Christlike character in sinful flesh, a character that will stand for eternity, must faithfully follow this instruction. If we have given offense to our neighbor, it is our Christian duty to acknowledge our wrong, and it is his duty freely to forgive. We know not what the morrow has in store for us. We cannot afford to continue putting off confessing known faults one to another. It is impossible for God to forgive our sins while we cherish an unforgiving spirit toward one another. To know that all is right between us and God and our fellow men is the most satisfying and most peace-giving knowledge that it is possible for the mind of finite man to possess.

One of the first symptoms of the dying of the old man of sin, and of the new birth, is genuine confession, which is always of a specific character and acknowledges particular sins. Our sins may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be such as should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be very definite and to the point, and without adding an apology in excuse of the course taken.

"Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt, have not yet fulfilled the first condition of acceptance. If we have not experienced that repentance which is not to be repented of, and have not with true humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit confessed our sins, abhorring our iniquity, we have never truly sought for the forgiveness of sin; and if we have never sought, we have never found the peace of God. The only reason why we do not have remission of sins that are past is that we are not willing to humble our hearts and comply with the conditions of the Word of Truth. Explicit instruction is given concerning this matter. Confession of sin, whether public or private, should be heartfelt and freely expressed. It is not to be urged from the sinner. It is not to be made in a flippant and careless way, or forced from those who have no realizing sense of the abhorrent character of sin. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity."

Our confessions cannot be acceptable to the Father above without sincere repentance and reformation on our part. There must be decided changes in our lives, and a complete forsaking of everything that is offensive to God. "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." This is the work that accompanies genuine sorrow for sin, and confessions that are inspired by the divine Spirit, which will be acceptable to God.

Philbrook, Minn.