Is Confession of Sin Necessary for Salvation?

Is confession of sin necessary for salvation?


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Danthemailman

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Every single soul (person) dies physically irrespective of the kind of life they lived - no conditions attached as both the sinner and the redeemed eventually meet with physical death.
Although every single soul (person) dies physically, there are those who may die "prematurely" (sooner than they would have) due to certain sins. In 1 Corinthians 11:29, we read - For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world. Paul knows that the judgment of God can take on the form of physical illness and even physical death. The word "sleep" when referring to death, refers to the physical death of believers, not spiritual death (John 11:11-12; Acts 7:60; 1 Corinthians 15:6,18,20,51; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15; 2 Peter 3:4).

1 John 5:16, we read - If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; (AMP - deliberately and knowingly practice committing sin), but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. *1 John 3:9 - No one who is born of God practices sin..

Js 5:19-20 does not refer to physical death because it does have a clause/conditioned attached to it.
Since the word soul (Greek - psyche) is rendered as "life" and not spirit (Matthew 26:38; Revelation 16:3; 1 Peter 3:20) the clause may be taken as a warning that backsliding may end up in physical death, as I already explained in post #26.

The death of the soul (spiritual death) can be avoided if one who is among us ceases from wandering from the truth.
It's your biased opinion that that James is talking about the spiritual death of a genuine born again Christian. It's the unrighteous who practice sin and suffer spiritual death (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21) and not the righteous, who are born of God (1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 John 3:9).

It is impossible for a someone whose faith is not genuine to wander from the truth because one has to be in the truth to begin with. The unredeemed person cannot wander from the truth so this verse only applies to the believer.
Again, your biased opinion, yet someone "among you," who has been considered one of the "brethren" and has been exposed to the truth may be in view here. So this wanderer is either a professing Christian, whose faith is not genuine, or a sinning Christian, who needs to be restored. For the former, the death spoken of in vs. 20 is the "second death" (Revelation 21:8); for the latter, it is physical death (1 Corinthians 11:29-32; 1 John 5:16).

Also the "among" in this verse is not a significant factor as the wording of this verse varies from one translation to there as some English translations do not even contain the word "among." One such example is
KJ21
Brethren, if any of you err from the truth and one convert him,....
"Of you" means of the brethren so your comparison of this verse with 1 Jn 2:19 is moot.
The NASB (along with the AMP, AMPC, ESV, NRSV, WEB, YLT etc..) translations read "among" and in 1 John 2:19, these people who went out "from" us/genuine believers (were certainly among genuine believers) but were not "of" them, so my comparison is certainly not moot.
 
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Danthemailman

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Yes, they have willfully sinned. But does the person who brings them back? As long as you walk in the Spirit you will not commit willful sin. This is why we have the commandment "do not quench the Spirit."
To "sin willfully" in the Greek carries the idea of deliberate intention that is habitual, which stems from rejecting Christ deliberately. This is CONTINUOUS ACTION - A MATTER OF PRACTICE. Now we don't walk along our daily life and "accidentally" fall into a pit called sin. We exercise our will but, the use of the participle clearly shows a CONTINUOUS ACTION. The unrighteous practice sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21) and not the righteous, who are born of God (1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 John 3:9).
 
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Neogaia777

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To "sin willfully" in the Greek carries the idea of deliberate intention that is habitual, which stems from rejecting Christ deliberately. This is CONTINUOUS ACTION - A MATTER OF PRACTICE. Now we don't walk along our daily life and "accidentally" fall into a pit called sin. We exercise our will but, the use of the participle clearly shows a CONTINUOUS ACTION. The unrighteous practice sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21) and not the righteous, who are born of God (1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 John 3:9).
Is that anything like: "habitual sin" does not necessarily mean the "continuous outright deliberate purposeful practice of continual sin without conscience or caring" etc...?

Cause I think the latter is the kind the the Bible would condemn the most...

Which some of the "Pharisees" do not seem to see that they are the very ones committing and/or doing (also) etc...

And they wonder why we get so upset and frustrated with them...? While they condemn others who are guilty of "lesser sin", if that's the card they really want to pull out and/or play, etc...

Matthew 21:31- "Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you."

God Bless!
 
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Danthemailman

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Notice that verse 10 is said to the person who says they never sinned even in the past. So 1 John 1:8 is a denial of sin in the present. This means that if a person sins in the present tense, and they say they have no sin (when they do sin), they deceive themselves. They are saying sin is an illusion because to deny sin in the past tense (when they did sin is to say that sin does not exist for them). The way to deal with sin is to confess of it in order to be forgiven of it (1 John 1:9). This is dealing with salvation because 1 John 1:7 mentions how walking in the light is related to the blood of Jesus cleansing us from all sin.
1 John 1:8 is in the present tense and although those who are born of God do not practice sin (1 John 3:9) it does not mean that those who are born of God never sin at all (1 John 2:1). Those who believe they live a sinless, without fault or defect, flawless, absolute perfect life 100% of the time (exactly as Jesus lived) are suffering from a terminal case of self righteousness. (1 John 1:8-10)

In regards to 1 John 1:7, in 1 John 1:6, we read - If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Walking in darkness is descriptive of children of the devil. Walking in the light is descriptive of children of God. Only those who are saved/believers are in the light.

Acts 26:18 - to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.

2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

Ephesians 5:8 - for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. Children of the devil walk in darkness, not in the light. Children of God walk in the light, not in darkness. "IF" confirms these positions in verses 6 and 7. It's one or the other.

In 1 John 2:9, we read - He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. In verse 11 - But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

*Compare with 1 John 3:10 - In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, (compare with 1 John 1:6 - does not practice the truth) nor is he who does not love his brother. *Notice that walks in darkness, hates his brother is connected to children of the devil.

But notice that John does not say that you will aways fall into sin so just do your best not to sin (even though you will sin). No, no. John does not say that. John says in 1 John 2:1 to "sin not." If I tell you to "drink not." I am not telling you that you cannot help but to drink but make every effort to fight against it. No. I am telling you to stop drinking... period. That is what I mean.
Believers do not always have to fall into sin and do not practice sin, yet that does not mean that believers will never sin at all. If believers were sinless, 100% of the time, then "if anyone sins" would be superfluous. My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.. (so believers have the option of may not sin) And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

If 1 John 1:8 means what you think it means, then 1 John 2:4 would contradict your belief on 1 John 1:8 because 1 John 2:4 is saying that if we say we know the Lord and we do not keep His commandments, we are liar and the truth is not in us.
There is no contradiction between 1 John 1:8 and 1 John 2:4 based on my belief, (but there would be a contradiction based on the belief of those who teach sinless perfection). 1 John 1:8 - If we say that we have no sin, (present tense) we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 2:3 - By this we know that we have come to know Him, (already know Him/already saved/demonstrative evidence) if we "keep" (Greek word "tereo" - guard, obvserve, watch over) His commandments. (not talking about sinless perfection) 4 The one who says, I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
 
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Danthemailman

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Is that anything like: "habitual sin" does not necessarily mean the "continuous outright deliberate purposeful practice of continual sin without conscience or caring" etc...?
In 1 John 3:9, the Amplified Bible reads - 9 No one who is born of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, because God’s seed [His principle of life, the essence of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is born again—who is reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again] cannot habitually [live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born of God and longs to please Him.... This describes the practice as habitual, as one's lifestyle or bent of life.
 
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Neogaia777

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In 1 John 3:9, the Amplified Bible reads - 9 No one who is born of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, because God’s seed [His principle of life, the essence of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is born again—who is reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again] cannot habitually [live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born of God and longs to please Him.... This describes the practice as habitual, as one's lifestyle or bent of life.
I would still add: "deliberately, knowingly, and habitually and continually practice without conscience or care" though, cause I think the whole "without conscience or care" part, is very important, as it would give some very good insight into just how "deliberately" it is really...

Is a person taking some risks if or when they habitually sin or commit some or a habitual sin or sins at all?, of course they are, but, just how many are doing it "without conscience or care" though, because those ones are the "true children of the Devil" in my book, and, it can very easily be a "pharisitical" person, or a person with a "pharisitical type personality or attitude", as well, who can seem to be pretty clean on the outside, etc, but inside, etc... They are just as guilty (and just as wicked, if not more wicked) as/than all the others (as well) and Jesus knew this all too well...

God Bless!
 
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Danthemailman

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I would still add: "deliberately, knowingly, and habitually and continually practice without conscience or care" though, cause I think the whole "without conscience or care" part, is very important, as it would give some very good insight into just how "deliberately" it is really...

Is a person taking some risks if or when they habitually sin or commit some or a habitual sin or sins at all?, of course they are, but, just how many are doing it "without conscience or care" though, because those ones are the "true children of the Devil" in my book, and, it can very easily be a "pharisitical" person, or a person with a "pharisitical type personality or attitude", as well, who can seem to be pretty clean on the outside, etc, but inside, etc... They are just as guilty as all the others, and Jesus knew this all too well...

God Bless!
Deliberately, continually, no remorse, no repentance just bring on the habitual sin, with no goal or effort to stop.

Jesus compared the Pharisees to white washed tombs that were clean on the outside, but on the inside were full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27)
 
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Neogaia777

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Deliberately, continually, no remorse, no repentance just bring on the habitual sin, with no goal or effort to stop.

Jesus compared the Pharisees to white washed tombs that were clean on the outside, but on the inside were full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27)
Yep,

God Bless!
 
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Neogaia777

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Deliberately, continually, no remorse, no repentance just bring on the habitual sin, with no goal or effort to stop.

Jesus compared the Pharisees to white washed tombs that were clean on the outside, but on the inside were full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27)
No feeling bad about it, or feelings of remorse, regret, or shame, whether a pharisitical person or one of the others...

And when they are confronted with it, they just get angry, or, (supposedly) righteously angry, (supposedly) (self-righteously angry), and deny, deny, deny, and in anger and intense hatred about it and for it as well...

It would hurt their pride way too much to admit the truth, so they don't... And then they label you and enemy, and hate you very, very much and very much intensely because of it...

They choose to be children of the Devil...

Oh well, I guess, right...?

Truth be told, I don't know if I could stomach "their truth" either, but they all have a/their choice(s) to make I guess...

Their only hope is to claim ignorance and fall us the mercies of God, but, I suspect they won't, or most or a lot of them won't...

Oh well...

God Bless!
 
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People get confused and believe "confession" is about sins they commit as a Christian. NO! It is to BECOME a Christian!

I believe confession of sin or seeking forgiveness with the Lord Jesus can play a part in one's entrance to be saved when accepting the gospel and Christ. But confession of sin can be a continual thing at different points in a believer's life. For king David had confessed of his sins and he surely was a man of God before and after his confession of sin in Psalms 51. Paul was desiring the Corinthians to repent, and they did so with a godly sorrow (See: 2 Corinthians 7:10). In the Parable of the Prodigal Son: We learn that when the prodigal son came back home, and sought forgiveness with his father, he was said by his father to "dead" and now he is "alive again." The father was speaking in spiritual terms. The son was "spiritually dead" when he was living a prodigal sinful life, and he became "spiritually alive again" when he sought forgiveness of his sins with his father. Jesus is our Everlasting Father because we will one day be resurrected sons after his likeness.

You said:
It is when you are justified and ALL your sins are taken away and forgiven.

Only all past sins are forgiven. Future sin is not forgiven a believer. Jesus said to the woman caught in the act of adultery that she was not condemned by He also told her to "sin no more." (John 8:11). Jesus also told a man that he healed to "sin no more, unless a worse thing were to come upon him." Also, 1 John 2:1 says we are to "sin not" but if we do happen to sin, we have an advocate that we can go to named Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:9 is context or view of Jesus being our advocate. We are told in Scripture to come before the throne of grace in time of need. What does that even mean if it is not confession to the Lord Jesus Christ? Is not Jesus our Heavenly high priest who intercedes for us? Does not the Lord's prayer include us seeking forgiveness of our debts (sins)?

You said:
Then Jesus gives you His Spirit and makes you born again of the Spirit, and you are then sanctified - another word that is misunderstood. They think sanctification is a life long process of overcoming sin. NO! As soon as you are given the Spirit your nature become the divine nature that hates sin and loves righteousness.

Actually, many in the OSAS (Once Saved Always Saved) camp believe this way. But it is not biblical. Yes, one can be sanctified by a specific event like the renewal of one's heart, but it does not stop there.

Sanctify:

John 17:17
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

Ephesians 5:25-27
25 "...even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

"Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." (John 15:3).

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit...". (1 Peter 1:22).

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word."
(Psalms 119:9)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” (1 John 2:5).​

Sanctify & Sanctified:

John 17:19
"And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."

1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." (1 Peter 4:1-2).

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6).

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." (1 Peter 2:21).​

Sanctification:

1 Thessalonians 4:3
"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:"

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1).

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

"So all people who have this confidence in Christ keep themselves pure, as Christ is pure." (1 John 3:3 GW).

"Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." Matthew 23:26).

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." (Luke 6:45).

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8).

Sanctification & Sanctified:

1 Thessalonians 4:4
"That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;"

2 Timothy 2:21
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

7 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).

16 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
(1 Corinthians 3:16-17).​

You said:
We will commit trespasses against each other unwittingly,

Where does the Bible say that?

You said:
but as we forgive others their trespasses against us, the Father forgives us our trespasses.

Where does the Bible say that?

You said:
Matthew 6:14-15
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I don't see how this passage supports what you just said. It is talking about how we need to forgive, or we will not be forgiven by the Father.

14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15).​

How can we be saved if we are not forgiven by the Father?
So this is talking in relation to salvation here.
We need to forgive others if we hope to be forgiven or saved by God.
What is interesting is that this was said after the Lord's prayer.
Meaning: A believer is cautioned to forgive others as a part of their right standing forgiveness with God. Salvation is conditional. While we are given a new heart with new desires. We are not love robots.

Believers have to endure to the end, endure temptation, be faithful unto death, overcome, and keep themselves in the love of God in order to be saved.

“...We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” (Hebrews 3:13-14).

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life,...” (James 1:12).

“...He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13).

"...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life,...” (Revelation 2:7).

"...He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." (Revelation 2:11).

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life,...” (Revelation 3:5).

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:21).​

We are told to:

  1. Continue in the grace of God (Acts of the Apostles 13:43).

  2. Continue in the faith (Acts of the Apostles 14:22) (Colossians 1:23).

  3. Continue in his goodness, otherwise we can be cut off (just like the Jews were cut off) (Romans 11:21-22).

So we are not changed to a point whereby we will automatically do good. We have to live out this life faithfully for God (Which is by our own choice). For this is the reason why we are living this life now. It is a test. This life is for us to prove to God our faithfulness to Him. We are not forced to be faithful to Him. We have to choose this day (every day) in who we will serve.
 
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But, this isn't obvious to everyone, since people confess to humans believing that will absolve them of their sins.

No human has authority when it comes to absolving sins, and determining our trajectory after this life except for the individual. It is important that people understand we confess our sins to the Most High God, as He is the one who does the forgiving/condemning.

I understand there are groups who cannot see what the Bible says plainly. But that is because they are not following the Bible solely in what it says alone. They also add traditions or holy books to the Bible. They do this even when there is no proof that their added traditions or supposed added holy books do not come close to having the same level of evidences supporting them like the Bible does. They do this even when the Bible contradicts their traditions or added holy books. So they are not in the same ballpark here. When I speak of confession of sin in 1 John 2:1, and 1 John 1:9 we are talking about the Bible. This is the context of what I mean and not outside traditions or added holy books.
 
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I chose "I don't know" and it looks like I am the only one who does not know which is interesting. I wonder how everyone else who responded with a "vote" does know.

I am so confident on this truth revealed in Scripture that I would be willing to die for my faith in it. For me: It is a clear as day. So easy to see, yet others cannot see it (because of what they have been taught by a Pastor or what they wanted to hear because it is comforting to them). There are some truths in the Bible that God reveals to a person that are unmistakable and there are other truths in the Bible that I believe God intentionally did not make so clear like: "Do those in hell suffer consciously the whole time or do they go through long periods of sleep?"

Anyways, in those things God has revealed the truth to us on in His Word, we can know them if we ask God to show us the truth on it.
I would encourage a believer to not give up in asking the Lord the truth, either.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" (Matthew 7:7).
 
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You won't get any disagreement from me on any of that.

God saves us unto good works. But He doesn't save us through our good works. The difference is as between night and day.

That's why I said that you need to define what you mean by "salvation" in order to get an accurate and meaningful poll.

There are a great many here in the forum who believe (and have even outright said in so many words) that one loses their basic salvation when they sin and has to confess and repent to regain it. If they die while in that intermittent dead period between mortal sin and confession and repentance they go to Hell.

That's nothing less than a false gospel IMO.

Well, I believe that to make a belief work that says we can abide in grievous unconfessed sin and still be saved, one has to ignore the many warnings in Scripture against those grievous sins that can lead to spiritual death, too. For...

The Bible’s teaches that serious sin is separation from GOD:

[God said to Adam,]
"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17).

[Eve said to the serpent,]
"But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (Genesis 3:3).

And the serpent said unto the woman,
"Ye shall not surely die." (Genesis 3:4).

"...she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked..." (Genesis 3:6-7).

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12).

"For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23).

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." (Isaiah 59:2).

“...whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Matthew 5:22).

28 “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” (Matthew 5:28-30).

"But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul." (Proverbs 6:32).

“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15).

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

Important Note: If you were to look at 1 Thessalonians 4:3 you would learn that the will of God (i.e. the Father) is to be holy or it is our sanctification; And Hebrews 12:14 says, without holiness no man shall see the Lord.

“22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:22-23 ESV).

“26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
(Matthew 7:26-27).

“15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:15-20).

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." (Hebrews 10:26).

"he that commits sin is of the devil." (1 John 3:8).

"everyone who does evil hates the light." (John 3:20).

"Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." (Acts of the Apostles 8:22).

6 "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:6-7).

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (1 John 2:4).

"Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." (1 John 3:15).

"He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now." (1 John 2:9).

"In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." (1 John 3:10).

41 "The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,
42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." (Matthew 13:41-43 ESV).

“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37).

"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:16).

3 "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing,..." (1 Timothy 6:3-4).

"...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
(James 4:6).

21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." (Romans 11:21-22).

16 "There is a sin unto death..."
17 "...and there is a sin not unto death." (1 John 5:16-17).

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8).

19 "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21).

5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affe
ction, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them." (Colossians 3:5-7).

5 “...God;
6 ...will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law” (Romans 2:5-12).

“But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.” (Ezekiel 18:24).

9 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. “ (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17).

"And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25:30).

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Romans 8:13).
 
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You won't get any disagreement from me on any of that.

God saves us unto good works. But He doesn't save us through our good works. The difference is as between night and day.

That's why I said that you need to define what you mean by "salvation" in order to get an accurate and meaningful poll.

There are a great many here in the forum who believe (and have even outright said in so many words) that one loses their basic salvation when they sin and has to confess and repent to regain it. If they die while in that intermittent dead period between mortal sin and confession and repentance they go to Hell.

That's nothing less than a false gospel IMO.

After we are saved by God's grace,
God’s works (done through us) are also required as a part of the Salvation Process:



(Here are a List of Verses):


“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24).

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:17-18).

"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:16).

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, "(1 Timothy 6:3-4).

"...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." (James 4:6).

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:1-2).

"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5:9).

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).

“...God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Romans 8:13).

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1).

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16).

“That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Romans 8:4).

"If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha." (1 Corinthians 16:22).

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15).

“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10).

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” (Luke 10:25-28).

“...if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 19:17-19).

"And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38).

”If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Matthew 16:24-26).

"...No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62).

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).

"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21).

"But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God." (Romans 2:8-11).

“And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:29).

”And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” (Revelation 22:12-15).

"For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." (John 3:20).

“For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” (Romans 11:21-22).

"...but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:17).

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12).

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:11-12).

“...And having become servants of God, ye have your fruit unto holiness and the end, everlasting life.” (Romans 6:22).

”Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:34-40).

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (Matthew 25:41-46).

”His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21).

”And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30).

”Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation [i.e. as the people of Israel did when they rebelled against him in the desert.”] (Hebrews 3:12-15) (Note: The explanation on verse 15 in brackets is taken from the Living Bible Translation (TLB)).

”Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)” (Hebrews 3:10-11).

”Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (Hebrews 4:11).

“In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (1 John 3:10).

“He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John 8:47).
 
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fwGod

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I'm not a pastor so I don't know the particulars but I will say that while receiving salvation.. it's not necessary to confess every single sin that can be remembered. But a general acknowledgement of being a sinner.

The greater part of the confession is to receive Jesus as Savior who's sacrifice on the cross takes away all sin.

I do believe that subsequent confession of unrighteousness, sin is necessary. Because Jesus wiped out all sins committed as a sinner. But sins as a child of God should not go unrepented of because then the believer is uncleansed and walking in unrighteousness.

The apostle John wrote to the children of God that "he who says that he has not sinned is a liar and the truth is not in him." "if anyone sins, we have an advocate before the Father even the righteous Jesus Christ, and He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

So I see Jesus having two roles concerning sins.

1. the lamb of God to forgive sinners.
2. the advocate to forgive children of God.
 
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No. All that is required is to agree with God regarding your condition of being spiritually dead and in need of His life. Then you agree with God that the only provision He has provided is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You receive His life and in that life you receive the benefit of the forgiveness He has already provided at the cross. There is no need to confess sin He is not counting against us.

I do not believe this kind of belief is in line with what Scripture says.

For it is written:

9 "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14).​

As we can see in the above parable by Jesus, He wanted to show that the man who sought forgiveness with the Lord was justified (declared righteous). The problem is that the Pharisee was not doing what the Tax Collector did. The point of the parable was to show how it is necessary to seek forgiveness with the Lord as a part of being saved. If the Pharisee refused to seek forgiveness with the Lord, he would end up despising others and creating his own version of self righteousness without allowing the Lord to do the good through His life (By his surrender to the Lord).

I do not believe that a belief in a set of facts alone saves anyone. A belief in Christ has to hit a person's heart. There must be a godly sorrow of repentance, and not a worldly sorrow (See 2 Corinthians 7:10). A faith that does not bring a person to their knees or break them to the core of their heart is not a true faith - IMO. True faith leaves a mark of good works (See: James 2:18). But it is even more than just doing good works. One has to live holy. For without holiness no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). For those believers who did good works in Christ's name were told to depart from Jesus because they also worked iniquity or sin, too (See: Matthew 7:23).
 
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Other: or combine number one and four, yes it is necessary for initial salvation, and afterward it will natually happen.

I don't believe that Christians are love robots. Believers have to endure to the end, endure temptation, be faithful unto death, overcome, and keep themselves in the love of God in order to be saved.

“...We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” (Hebrews 3:13-14).

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life,...” (James 1:12).

“...He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13).

"...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life,...” (Revelation 2:7).

"...He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." (Revelation 2:11).

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life,...” (Revelation 3:5).

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:21).​

We are told to:

  1. Continue in the grace of God (Acts of the Apostles 13:43).

  2. Continue in the faith (Acts of the Apostles 14:22) (Colossians 1:23).

  3. Continue in his goodness, otherwise we can be cut off (just like the Jews were cut off) (Romans 11:21-22).

So we are not changed to a point whereby we will automatically do good. We have to live out this life faithfully for God (Which is by our own choice). For this is the reason why we are living this life now. It is a test. This life is for us to prove to God our faithfulness to Him. We are not forced to be faithful to Him. We have to choose this day (every day) in who we will serve.
 
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Confession is about healing, the healing of relationships both between YHWH and I, and other believers and I. Before YHWH we know that we have forgivness so we can approach Him boldly admitting our failures and resting in His Grace. Confession keeps the book open and allows Him to heal us and mold us.
Between believers it about honesty and forgivness, and closeness that allows our relationships with one another to become stronger and more Loving.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5

Confession of sin is just another way of saying "repent."
Jesus said to people to repent or perish (Luke 13:3).

Note: In my next post, I will post to you how "repentance" means "seeking forgiveness with the Lord."
 
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aiki

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How do you love other people...?

And by that I mean, is it a constricted, limiting, perhaps a little bit strenuous, act of the will, or is something that you just do naturally or that comes very natural to you, just maybe flows, or free flows from you, etc...?

And then, how do you do it, in that, how do you show it? is more of what I'm saying or would say or would be asking after that...?

God Bless!

The Christian life isn't centered upon the Christian but upon Christ. Apart from Christ, the Christian is utterly impotent. (John 15:5) It is his life, the life of Christ, that is to be manifesting in the believer, not the believer's own life, their own preferences, inclinations, thinking, etc. And when this is the case, holiness, love, peace and grace - the fruit of the Spirit - flow naturally and powerfully into and out of the believer.

If there is one thing the Gospel makes very clear, it is the total inability of the lost person to be on their own who God wants them to be. (Ephesians 2:1-3; John 3:19-20; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4) Only God can make a person godly; only His power can transform a wicked sinner into a saint. This does not cease to be the case after a person is saved. It is only by God's power, extended to the believer in the Person of the Holy Spirit, that they can be who God wants them to be. A believer is constantly receiving from the Spirit what they need to be "godly in Christ Jesus" - but only so long as the believer is living in moment-by-moment surrender to the Spirit. When a believer takes a moralistic stance - as some have on this thread - and determines to do for God rather than allowing God to do for him, the result is always a short-lived and superficial "righteousness" that requires enormous effort to sustain. This is not God's way to the holy, abundant life He offers to us all. It is, rather, a quick and sure route to failure, frustration, hypocrisy and legalism.

Why do believers become moralistic and fear-mongering? Because doing so subtly positions Self where God should be. Moralism allows the believer to take credit for their own righteousness, to be the linch-pin, the vital center, of their walk with God. The believer must pull up his own socks, he must dig deep and strive hard to be like Christ. And if/when he manages in brief, faltering stints to do so, he can point at others and say, "I have done it. You had better do it, too, or else!"

God's way is far different. It requires the death of Self. (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:1-18; Colossians 3:3) I have to decrease that God might increase. I have to die to myself that I might truly live. (Matthew 16:24-25) But I cannot crucify myself; I cannot die to myself. I love myself too much, you see. God must put me to death (spiritually-speaking); and so He has. What remains is for me to live in the truth of my death to Self, and to walk in submission and total reliance upon God in every moment of my days. As I do, as I yield myself to God, to His Spirit, and wait upon Him to transform me, I find myself changed so subtly and profoundly that I don't even often realize I've been changed. My desires alter, my behaviours shift, my thinking transforms without any agonizing struggle, without any teeth-gritting strain, because God is doing the changing, not me. But this is exactly what I should expect when He bends His awesome, universe-creating power to the work of making me like Christ.

So, whether it is loving others, or overcoming sin in any of its myriad forms, God's way of victory is not through Self-effort, through trying to do for God, but in surrender and total dependence upon Him.

Romans 6:13-18
Romans 12:1
1 Peter 5:6
James 4:6-10
 
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Confession is about healing, the healing of relationships both between YHWH and I, and other believers and I. Before YHWH we know that we have forgivness so we can approach Him boldly admitting our failures and resting in His Grace. Confession keeps the book open and allows Him to heal us and mold us.
Between believers it about honesty and forgivness, and closeness that allows our relationships with one another to become stronger and more Loving.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5

A Biblical Case For Repentance:

At the heart, I believe the Bible teaches that "Repentance" means, "Asking God for forgiveness" (Which of course naturally then leads to the "fruits of repentance", i.e. obedience to the Lord):

Important Note: While I may believe "Repentance" does involve to a certain degree a "change of mind" (like a person changing their mind about their old life of sin), I do not think "Repentance" exclusively means a “change of mind.”

"Asking God for forgiveness of sin" can either refer to: The "Sinner's Prayer" (Initial Salvation) (Romans 10:13), and or the seasoned believer "Confessing one's sin" (Continued Salvation) (See 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:1).

Anyways, here are my ten points using Scripture showing that "repentance" means "asking God for forgiveness of sin.”

#1. Acts 2:38,
The New Living Translation says in Acts 2:38 to "repent of your sins."
Douay Reheims says in Acts 2:38 to "Do penance."
New Life Version says in Acts 2:38 to "Be sorry for your sins"

#2. Luke 17:3 says, "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him." This doesn't make any sense if "repent" means believe in Jesus (as some teach) or to have a change of mind about sin (as others teach) or to exclusively forsake sin. Yes, we are to forsake sin as a part of repentance but that comes later after repentance (Which is to ask God for forgiveness of our sin). For how can we reconcile with a brother if we do not say we are sorry vs. just going on about life as if we did nothing wrong?

#3. Jesus said in Matthew 12:41 that the Ninevites will rise up in Judgment against this generation because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. If you were to turn to Jonah chapter 3, you would be able to see in Jonah 3:6-10 that the King of the Ninevites had told his people to:

(a) Cry out to God (i.e. Repentance) (See Jonah 3:8).
(b) Turn from their sins or evil ways (i.e. The Natural Fruits of Repentance).​

#4. Matthew 3:6 (which then lines up with Matthew 3:8). Also, in Mark 1:4-5, it says John preached the "baptism of repentance" for the remission of sins (verse 4), and it then defines this "baptism of repentance" by saying they confessed their sins when they were baptized (verse 5).

#5. We see in Acts of the Apostles 8:22 a clear example of Peter telling Simon to "repent" of his wickedness in trying to pay for the Holy Spirit. Peter is telling Simon to make a prayer towards God. For Peter says that he should pray that God might forgive him. In other words, Peter is telling Simon to repent of a one time event of wickedness by way of prayer to GOD. This only makes sense if "repent" means to "ask for forgiveness."

#6. Ezekiel 14:6 says,
"Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols;" Repent makes the most sense here if a person is asking God for forgiveness by way of prayer instead of a person just believing in God. Naturally a person believes in God as their Savior if they are planning on forsaking their idols.

#7. We see repentance is the topic of discussion in Luke 15 (Luke 15:6) (Luke 15:10); This is then followed up by the "Parable of the Prodigal Son" with the son desiring to be reconciled with his father. We learn the WAY the Prodigal Son desired to be reconciled with his father when he said,

"I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants." (Luke 15:18-19).

In other words, the Prodigal Son was seeking forgiveness. This ties into the point of repentance in Luke 15:6 and Luke 15:10.

#8. Luke 10:13 says,
"Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes." This rules out the theory that repentance is exclusively forsaking sin. Granted, forsaking sin always follow true repentance (Asking God for forgiveness of one's sins) but forsaking sin is not repentance. The word "repented" here is describing a one time event because they "repented", sitting in sackcloth and ashes. In Jonah 3:6 we learn that the King of Nineveh sat in sackcloth and ashes. In Jonah 3:8, the King of Nineveh tells people to put on sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God (i.e. repentance): and then turn from their evil way (i.e. the fruits of repentance).

#9. John the Baptist says we are to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8). Fruits are deeds (or obedience to God). How can repentance be the same thing as the fruit? Is the fruit the same thing as the tree?

#10. Jeremiah 8:6 says, "I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle." Here we see the word "repented of wickedness" tied with the words, "What have I done?" This is an acknowledgement of one's sin to God as a part of asking His forgiveness.


Notable Additional Verses that Deal with Repentance
(But They Do Not Use The Word "Repent" or "Repentance"):

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13).

13 "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:13-14).

Proverbs 28:13 says whosoever confesses and forsakes sin shall have mercy.
 
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