Private Confession and Personal Repentance in Christian Life
Private confession and personal repentance are integral aspects of Christian life, rooted in biblical teachings and developed through theological reflection. Repentance, in its truest sense, involves a fundamental change of mind and purpose, leading to a transformation of life [1]. This change is often prompted by a recognition of one's sinfulness and a desire to align with God's will [1, 11]. Confession, closely linked to repentance, is the open acknowledgment of these sins, both to God and, in certain contexts, to others [2].
The New Testament uses several Greek words to describe repentance. Metamelomai refers to a change of mind that can produce regret or remorse, but not necessarily a complete change of heart. Judas's repentance, for instance, is described using this term (Matthew 27:3) [1]. In contrast, metanoeo and its cognate noun metanoia denote a more profound change of mind and purpose, resulting in a new way of life. This is the "true repentance" to which the remission of sin is promised [1]. The call to repentance is a recurring theme in scripture, with passages like Revelation 3:19 urging believers to "be zealous therefore, and repent" [3], and Revelation 2:16 warning of consequences for failing to do so [6].
Personal repentance is characterized by several key elements. It involves a recognition of one's contrariety to God's righteous law, leading to a sense of compunction that is directed "toward God" as the one dishonored by sin [11]. This godly sorrow for sin is often accompanied by self-abasement and a forsaking of sin [4]. The Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights that true repentance should include submission to punishment, prayer for forgiveness, self-abasement, godly sorrow, and a commitment to forsake sin, even involving restitution where appropriate [4]. Such repentance is expected to be "full and unreserved" [4].
Confession of sin is a direct consequence and expression of repentance. The Bible mandates confession to God (Leviticus 16:21; Ezra 9:5-15; Daniel 9:3-12) and, in cases of wrongdoing against a neighbor, to that individual (James 5:16; Matthew 18:15) [2]. God requires confession (Leviticus 5:5; Hosea 5:15) and regards it favorably (Job 33:27-28; Daniel 9:20-23) [4]. Promises of pardon are associated with confession (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9) [4]. Ezra 10:11, for example, encourages making confession, which Adam Clarke interprets as acknowledging sins before God with deep compunction and a firm resolution to abandon them [10].
The practice of confession extends beyond individual acknowledgment to God. James 5:16 explicitly states, "Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed" [9]. This verse suggests a communal aspect to confession, particularly in the context of seeking healing and restoration within the Christian community. While the primary focus of confession is often directed towards God, this passage indicates that confessing faults to fellow believers can also be a vital part of the spiritual journey.
The concept of reconciliation is closely related to both repentance and confession. Reconciliation signifies a change from enmity to friendship, a mutual transformation in both parties who were at odds [7]. In a spiritual sense, this involves a change in the sinner's character, moving from being an enemy of God to yielding full confidence and love to Him (Colossians 1:21-22) [7]. The apostle Paul's plea in 2 Corinthians 5:20 to "be reconciled to God" implies laying aside one's enmity towards God [7]. This reconciliation is made possible through repentance and confession, which address the broken relationship caused by sin.
The Christian tradition emphasizes that certain sins, while grievous, are forgivable. Matthew 12:31 states that "every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men" [8]. This highlights the universal availability of forgiveness for most sins, provided there is genuine repentance and confession.
Self-denial is another related concept that underpins the commitment to repentance and a changed life. Christ himself set an example of self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) [5]. It is presented as a test of devotion to Christ (Matthew 10:37-38; Luke 9:23-24) and necessary for following Him (Luke 14:27-33) [5]. This involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Romans 6:12; Titus 2:12), controlling appetites (Proverbs 23:2), and abstaining from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11) [5]. Such self-denial is a practical outworking of the changed mind and purpose that defines true repentance.
Sources
- 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”
- 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).”
- Revelation “As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. -- Revelation 3:19”
- 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 -”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Revelation “Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. -- Revelation 2:16”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Reconcilation — A change from enmity to friendship. It is mutual, i.e., it is a change wrought in both parties who have been at enmity. (1.) In Col. 1:21, 22, the word there used refers to a change wrought in the personal character of the sinner who ceases to be an enemy to God by wicked works, and yields up to him his full confidence and love. In 2 Cor. 5:20 the apostle beseeches the Corinthians to be "reconciled to God", i.e., to lay aside their enmity. (2.) Rom. 5:10 refers not to any change in our disposition toward God, but to God himself, as the party reconcile”
- Matthew “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. -- Matthew 12:31”
- James “Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. -- James 5:16”
- Ezra (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ezra 10:11: Make confession - Acknowledge your sins before God, with deep compunction of heart, and the fullest resolution to forsake them.”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 20:21: Testifying both to Jews and . . . Greeks--laboring under a common malady, and recoverable only by a common treatment. repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ--(See on Act 5:31). REPENTANCE, as distinguished from faith, is that state of the "honest and good heart" which arises from a discovery of one's contrariety to the righteous demands of the divine law. This is said to be "toward God," because seeing Him to be the party dishonored by sin, it feels all its acknowledgments and compunctions to be properly due to Him, as the great”