Confession and Forgiveness in Scripture and Christian Life
Confession of sin, an acknowledgment of wrongdoing to God and sometimes to others, is a prerequisite for receiving forgiveness [3]. God requires confession, as seen in passages like Leviticus 5:5 and Hosea 5:15, and he regards it when offered [2]. This confession should be full and unreserved, as exemplified in Psalm 32:5 and 51:3, and is often accompanied by self-abasement, godly sorrow, and a forsaking of sin [2]. When confession is made, pardon follows [2].
Forgiveness, in a theological sense, is a constituent part of justification, where God absolves the sinner from the condemnation of the law due to Christ's work [1]. This act removes the guilt of sin and the sinner's liability to eternal wrath [1]. All sins are freely forgiven, as indicated in Acts 5:31 and 1 John 1:6-9 [1]. The ability to pardon sin is a unique prerogative of God (Psalm 130:4; Mark 2:5) and is offered to all through the Gospel [1].
The New Testament uses three Greek words for repentance, which is closely linked to confession and forgiveness [5]. Metamelomai refers to a change of mind leading to regret, but not necessarily a change of heart, as seen in Judas's repentance (Matthew 27:3) [5]. Metanoeo and its cognate noun metanoia denote true repentance—a change of mind, purpose, and life, to which the remission of sin is promised [5].
Christian life also emphasizes the forgiveness of injuries among believers. Christ set an example of forgiveness (Luke 23:34) and commanded it, even to an unlimited extent (Matthew 18:22; Luke 17:4) [4]. This practice is a characteristic of saints (Psalm 7:4) and is motivated by God's mercy, our own need for forgiveness, and God's forgiveness of us through Christ (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13) [4, 6, 9]. Forgiving others is seen as a reflection of a repentant heart, making one's own forgiveness possible [8]. Conversely, an unwillingness to forgive others may indicate a lack of understanding of God's mercy or true repentance [8]. The apostle Paul encourages believers to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving to one another, "even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32 KJV) [6]. This forgiveness is not merely an act of mercy but is also tied to God's faithfulness and justice [7].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Forgiveness of sin — One of the constituent parts of justification. In pardoning sin, God absolves the sinner from the condemnation of the law, and that on account of the work of Christ, i.e., he removes the guilt of sin, or the sinner's actual liability to eternal wrath on account of it. All sins are forgiven freely (Acts 5:31; 13:38; 1 John 1:6-9). The sinner is by this act of grace for ever freed from the guilt and penalty of his sins. This is the peculiar prerogative of God (Ps. 130:4; Mark 2:5). It is offered to all in the gospel. (See [219]JUSTIFICATION.)”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Confession of Sin — God requires -- Le 5:5; Ho 5:15. God regards -- Job 33:27,28; Da 9:20-23. Exhortation to -- Jos 7:19; Jer 3:13; Jas 5:16. Promises to -- Le 26:40-42; Pr 28:13. Should be accompanied with Submission to punishment. -- Le 26:41; Ne 9:33; Ezr 9:13. Prayer for forgiveness. -- 2Sa 24:10; Ps 25:11; 51:1; Jer 14:7-9,20. Self-abasement. -- Isa 64:5,6; Jer 3:25. Godly sorrow. -- Ps 38:18; La 1:20. Forsaking sin. -- Pr 28:13. Restitution. -- Nu 5:6,7. Should be full and unreserved -- Ps 32:5; 51:3; 106:6. Followed by pardon -- Ps 32:5; 1Jo 1:9. Illustrated -”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Confession — (1) An open profession of faith (Luke 12:8). (2.) An acknowledment of sins to God (Lev. 16:21; Ezra 9:5-15; Dan. 9:3-12), and to a neighbour whom we have wronged (James 5:16; Matt. 18:15).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Forgiveness of Injuries — Christ set an example of -- Lu 23:34. Commanded -- Mr 11:25; Ro 12:19. To be unlimited -- Mt 18:22; Lu 17:4. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 7:4. Motives to The mercy of God. -- Lu 6:36. Our need of forgiveness. -- Mr 11:25. God's forgiveness of us. -- Eph 4:32. Christ's forgiveness of us. -- Col 3:13. A glory to saints -- Pr 19:11. Should be accompanied by Forbearance. -- Col 3:13. Kindness. -- Ge 45:5-11; Ro 12:20. Blessing and prayer. -- Mt 5:44. Promises to -- Mt 6:14; Lu 6:37. No forgiveness without -- Mt 6:15; Jas 2:13. Illustrated --”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Repentance — There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance. (1.) The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3). (2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. Evangelical”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:32: (Luk 7:42; Col 3:12). even as--God hath shown Himself "kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving to you"; it is but just that you in turn shall be so to your fellow men, who have not erred against you in the degree that you have erred against God (Mat 18:33). God for Christ's sake--rather as Greek, "God in Christ" (Co2 5:19). It is in Christ that God vouchsafes forgiveness to us. It cost God the death of His Son, as man, to forgive us. It costs us nothing to forgive our fellow man. hath forgiven--rather as Greek, "forgave you." God has, once for all”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:9: confess--with the lips, speaking from a contrite heart; involving also confession to our fellow men of offenses committed against them. he--God. faithful--to His own promises; "true" to His word. just--Not merely the mercy, but the justice or righteousness of God is set forth in the redemption of the penitent believer in Christ. God's promises of mercy, to which He is faithful, are in accordance with His justice. to--Greek, "in order that." His forgiving us our sins and cleansing us, &c., is in furtherance of the ends of His eternal faithfulness”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:12: 6:12 as we have forgiven (see also 6:14-15; 18:21-35): Forgiving others is a reflection of a repentant, regenerate heart, which makes our own forgiveness possible. Those who have experienced God’s forgiveness will forgive. Jesus implies that those who are unwilling to forgive have not perceived God’s mercy, and perhaps have never truly repented.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:32: 4:32 Forgiving fellow believers is a natural and good response to experiencing God’s forgiving grace in Christ (cp. Col 3:12-13; 1 Jn 4:19).”