The Reality of and Remedy for Sin: How Confession Restores Our Relationship with God

Confession is integral to the Christian life. First John 1:9 emphasises the necessity of confessing our sins: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This verse isn’t merely a suggestion—it is a command that underscores the importance of acknowledging our transgressions before God.

When we confess our sins, we align our hearts with God’s perspective. Confession is an act of humility that invites God’s grace into our lives. There is freedom in confession. It serves to restore our relationship with God and is a means of grace, allowing us to experience his mercy and love.

To make confession a meaningful and effective practice, consider the come practical steps.

First, examine your heart. Take time to reflect on your actions and attitudes. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin in your life. Don’t examine somebody else’s heart—examine your own.

Second, be specific. When you confess, name specific sins rather than speaking in generalities. This “one size fits all” approach doesn’t help. Being specific helps you take ownership of your actions.

Third, acknowledge the impact. Some people have this propensity to drop a bomb in the room and then move out without dealing with the fallout. Recognise how your sin affects your relationship with God and with others. This acknowledgement deepens your understanding of the seriousness of sin.

Third, repent. Confession is not just about admitting wrongdoing; it involves a genuine desire to turn away from sin and pursue righteousness. Repent and move on. Leave it alone.

Fourth, be assured of his promises. After confessing, remember God’s promise in 1 John 1:9 that he is faithful to forgive and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

The primary purpose of confession is to restore our fellowship with God. Our relationship with him isn’t merely about being a Christian; it is about being in personal communion with him. Psalm 66:18 reminds us, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Thus we must approach him with honesty and humility.

The basis of forgiveness lies in the death of Jesus Christ. This is of paramount importance. First John 1:7 teaches that “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” God’s character—his faithfulness and justice—ensures that, when we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive us. Often, people blame God for unforgiveness. God is faithful and just. We very often cannot forgive ourselves. His faithfulness in forgiveness and justice is foundational. This assurance is foundational in our relationship with him.

Preparation for confession involves recognising the goodness of God. Romans 2:4 reminds us that “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.” When we become weary of our rebellion—because that’s what it is—we can remember the goodness and love of God, prompting us to return to him.

Godly sorrow also plays a critical role in our preparation for confession. You need to realise that you’ve made a mistake. It’s not just an “oh, thank you very much” and move on. At least be sorry for what you’ve done. Second Corinthians 7:10 teaches us, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” This sorrow, this remorse, is a gift from the Holy Spirit—a sign that we are feeling the weight of our sins and longing for restoration.

When we sin, we must make a judgement about that sin: name it, admit our wrongdoing—that’s what repentance is—and determine not to repeat it. First Corinthians 11:31 encourages us to judge ourselves, which fosters an honest evaluation of our spiritual state. Be honest. Don’t kid yourself; you’re wasting your time.

The timing of confession is equally critical. We should confess our sins immediately, without delay. Don’t dwell on them. Proverbs 28:13 states, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Brothers and sisters, waiting can lead to a deeper entanglement in sin. Don’t put off for tomorrow what could be done today. By making confession a habit, we cultivate a heart sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, allowing for prompt reconciliation with God.

We’re all in this together. The church plays a vital role in helping believers navigate the challenges of sin and confession. We are not meant to walk this journey alone. In Galatians 6:1, Paul instructs, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.”

We need to help one another. The church should be a place of accountability and support, where we can confess our struggles and receive encouragement through these struggles. Being part of a church community allows us to share our burdens and receive prayer support. James 5:16 reminds us, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

This mutual confession fosters vulnerability and strengthens our relationships, allowing us to grow in grace together. None of us have made it. Yes, we are saved by the grace of Jesus, but we’ve all got our struggles. The church serves as a safe haven where believers can seek help and guidance. When we are transparent about our struggles, we create an environment where others feel comfortable to do the same. This openness can lead to healing and restoration.

In closing, let us remember the words of Psalm 32:4-5: “For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

The psalmist is confessing that, when he wasn’t confessing, he was struggling. Let us remember that sin is a reality in our lives, but it does not have to define us. God has provided a remedy through Jesus Christ. He invites us to confess our sins, knowing that he is faithful and just to forgive us. What a King. What a Lord. What a Saviour.

Christians, let us not take sin lightly. The effects of sin are profound, impacting our relationship with God and with others. It’s a big deal. Strive for holiness, relying on the grace of God to empower you to live a life that honours him.

Hebrews 12:1–2 encourages us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”

Let us run well and look towards the Lord. In the light of God’s word, let us seek to live in holiness, embracing the grace that covers our sins and the mercy that restores our souls. May we continuously strive to walk in the light, reflecting the love of Christ to a world in desperate need of his hope.

What about those who don’t know Christ? Know and understand that he offers forgiveness and cleansing. Your sin does not disqualify you from his love. It is the very reason he came. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Turn to him, confess your sins, and receive the gift of salvation.