How often should we confess sin?

[SoldierOfSoul]

How often do you confess sin, always, most of the time, never?

I do it constantly, I'm wondering if I am going overboard with it. I mean I know we should confess our sin to the Lord but with me its becoming something where its all I think about, and I have OCD so this is becoming a new scruple for me.

Also if we know and are convicted that it is sin that we have committed, is it really necessary to confess or even to ask for forgiveness, doesn't the blood of Jesus cover all our sins already anyways? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Life2Christ]

Always. But not everyone is sensitive to their sins so they won't confess. Once you are sensitive to your sins it opens up your relationship to God. If you are too sensitive, it probably means that you need to be more familiar with the Word. Learn about righteous anger versus bitterness. Don't let anyone tell you what a sin is. Seek out someone who is knowledgeble in scripture.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

Always.

I have heard a few pastors say that we should not confess our sins at all, the one verse (1 John 1:9) in the bible that says we should they say is speaking of the unsaved and how they should confess their sin to the Lord prior to salvation, but when we are saved (they say) we should not.

I particularly remember hearing Joseph Prince speaking on it, he said he knew someone with OCD (like me) who's relationship with the Lord was being consumed by this, he says that the believers sin is already payed for and there is no need to ask for forgiveness because our sin is covered, to tell the truth this makes sense to me. We are already forgiven so why ask for forgiveness?

 

[Johnnz]

Its good to be honest with ourselves and God about any faults we recognise. But, as we are already forgiven, its really a matter of living from that basis. We don't move in and out of relationship with God depending on where we are in our lives. Jesus has come to us, opened the way to union with His Father in spite of our imperfections, and is there for us whatever. That's what Paul was affirming at the end of Romans 8.

John
NZ

 

[alan650]

I have heard a few pastors say that we should not confess our sins at all, the one verse (1 John 1:9) in the bible that says we should they say is speaking of the unsaved and how they should confess their sin to the Lord prior to salvation, but when we are saved (they say) we should not.

I particularly remember hearing Joseph Prince speaking on it, he said he knew someone with OCD (like me) who's relationship with the Lord was being consumed by this, he says that the believers sin is already payed for and there is no need to ask for forgiveness because our sin is covered, to tell the truth this makes sense to me. We are already forgiven so why ask for forgiveness?

We most definitely should confess our sins! If you wrong someone in everyday life and feel guilty do you just shut up and keep quiet hoping for their forgiveness. I hope not. You go to that person and plead your case and ask for forgiveness. We should do the same thing with God. We should never let pride or ignorance get in the way of an open honest REPENTING relationship with the Lord!

When David sinned with Bathsheba and had her husband murdered, did he just assume forgiveness and not ask for it from God? Of course not! He pleaded with God and wrote many psalms asking for mercy.

If one is not feeling guilt and the prompting to confess this sin then they are hardening their hearts towards God.

In short, of course we should confess our sins. It goes hand in hand as it is a RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. No doubt.

 

[papaJP]

How often do you confess sin, always, most of the time, never?

I do it constantly, I'm wondering if I am going overboard with it. I mean I know we should confess our sin to the Lord but with me its becoming something where its all I think about, and I have OCD so this is becoming a new scruple for me.

Also if we know and are convicted that it is sin that we have committed, is it really necessary to confess or even to ask for forgiveness, doesn't the blood of Jesus cover all our sins already anyways? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Every day if you have sin revealed to you by God seek repentance and forgiveness. When you ask if it is from your heart you are forgiven.
God is looking to you to see if you will continue to grow closer to what Jesus was which is perfect. We cannot be perfect in the flesh but we can grow closer. The problem is most people do not recognize what is a sin. If you are born again and seek God's revelation then He will remind you of sin and that is what you need to ask forgiveness for. It is the direction you are moving toward. Yes God knows about all your sins. However, He wants to know if you are going to be obediant.

 

[LWB]

I consider being aware of a sin, mentally registering it, and investigating ways to improve, a kind of confession already. God is in my consciousness, and for all I know, the very one encouraging me to acknowledge an unkind thought or bad deed.

I might on later reflection in prayer bring it before the Lord, but in most cases I feel like it is ground we have already covered together, so it seems almost superstitious to mention it.

If I had a terrible fight with someone and said harsh words, jumped into my car, took a corner too fast and was killed, I don't think I would be lost because I failed to confess the sin. I don't see Salvation as being something either switched on or switched off, depending upon my actions.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

I consider being aware of a sin, mentally registering it, and investigating ways to improve, a kind of confession already. God is in my consciousness, and for all I know, the very one encouraging me to acknowledge an unkind thought or bad deed.

I might on later reflection in prayer bring it before the Lord, but in most cases I feel like it is ground we have already covered together, so it seems almost superstitious to mention it.

My thoughts exactly, God knows when we sin, and we do too because of the Holy Spirit, so why mention it again?

 

[Emmy]

Dear SoldierOfSoul. Jesus taught us to pray: Our Father in Heaven, give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Our daily bread says daily, and for past sins: Jesus died for us, He gave His Blood to pay for our sins, but we are told to Repent, to exchange our ( still) sinful nature: selfishness and too little love and charity, FOR loving God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds, AND loving our neighbour, ( all others, friends and not friends) as we love ourselves. Once in a while is not enough, daily, I would say. I say this with love, SoldierOfSoul. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[RobertZ]

How often do you confess sin, always, most of the time, never?.

When the Holy Spirit points out sin thats in my life.

I do it constantly, I'm wondering if I am going overboard with it..

If your asking forgiveness for the same sins over and over its likely Satan "the accuser of the bretheren" throwing false condemnation your way, making you feel unforgiven.

Also if we know and are convicted that it is sin that we have committed, is it really necessary to confess or even to ask for forgiveness, doesn't the blood of Jesus cover all our sins already anyways? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Well, confession to God of our sins is a start but if we never truly turn away from them then it isnt a true repentance. God expects us to turn when we are convicted, that means more to him that giving mere lip service without the intention from ever turning away from the sin that the Holy Spirit is pointing out.

Proverbs 1:23

Turn to my reproof,
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

May God in heaven get all the glory for what is being spoken through me, not I of myself but by the power of the Holy Ghost.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

If your asking forgiveness for the same sins over and over its likely Satan "the accuser of the bretheren" throwing false condemnation your way, making you feel unforgiven.

Thank your for this comment Robertz, I think I allow the devil to do this a lot, I believe the devil's lies when I should believe God's word, even if my feeling don't align with it. You know how OCD is though, its the doubting disease, sometimes I feel I have to confess my sin until it feels just right.

 

[RobertZ]

Thank your for this comment Robertz, I think I allow the devil to do this a lot, I believe the devil's lies when I should believe God's word, even if my feeling don't align with it. You know how OCD is though, its the doubting disease, sometimes I feel I have to confess my sin until it feels just right.

Glad to help, its the least I can do considering all the help you have given me in the past. Pray for me as I will pray for you, my health has taken a pretty big hit from all of this constant doubt and worry about if im saved or not.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

Glad to help, its the least I can do considering all the help you have given me in the past. Pray for me as I will pray for you, my health has taken a pretty big hit from all of this constant doubt and worry about if im saved or not.

I will pray for you my friend and yes please pray for me too, pray that I will be free from bondage and oppression in my life. Its getting hard lately, I still trust in our God though, He is faithful and good, I know this. He is also our healer Robertz, and I will lift you up in prayer for your health bro, God bless.

 

[LifebyChrist]

Glad to help, its the least I can do considering all the help you have given me in the past. Pray for me as I will pray for you, my health has taken a pretty big hit from all of this constant doubt and worry about if im saved or not.

Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Luke 12:25 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Emmy gave you good advice, praying daily is okay.

Daniel 6:10 "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

Nehemiah 2:4 "The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven,"

You can pray to God and confess as you as often as you'd like.

Matthew 6:7 "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words."

Ecclesiastes 6:11 "The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?"

Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Pray in the Holy Spirit, or also known as praying in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:2 "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit."

It will edify you as well

1 Corinthians 14:4 "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church."

Matthew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

If you want to ask God to forgive you all the time then that is your prerogative.

But I think the real underlying problem is that you are not sure you are forgiven.

Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Never leave you nor forsake you.

Titus 1:2 "a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,"

Just look at the Israelites as bad as they were, the had the baal idols and asherah poles and they sacrificed children to demons. (He did punish them! You cannot get away with this!)

Psalm 106:37 "They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons."

But God kept his agreement

Judges 2:1 "And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you."

God will not break his covenant or agreement with you.

John 6:37 "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."

So as sure as Jesus was nailed to the cross, he will not drive you away.

Matthew 12:20 "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory."

This means even if you are weak or only have a little hope, even faith the size of a mustard seed then God will not cast you out.

Romans 14:1 "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters."

I hope this helps you.

To summarize all of this, basically you can confess as much as you'd like but show respect for God and choose your words carefully and pray in the spirit if you have nothing to say and would just like to fellowship with him.

 

[TheDag]

I have heard a few pastors say that we should not confess our sins at all, the one verse (1 John 1:9) in the bible that says we should they say is speaking of the unsaved and how they should confess their sin to the Lord prior to salvation, but when we are saved (they say) we should not.

I particularly remember hearing Joseph Prince speaking on it, he said he knew someone with OCD (like me) who's relationship with the Lord was being consumed by this, he says that the believers sin is already payed for and there is no need to ask for forgiveness because our sin is covered, to tell the truth this makes sense to me. We are already forgiven so why ask for forgiveness?

I certainly agree there is a balance and that looking really hard for a sin to confess is not healthy. We're not meant to beat ourselves up however as God does reveal si n to us often through it coming into our thoughts then it is a good idea to confess. Confessing doesn't need to be hours long. Short and simple is great. Remember the sinners prayer (Luke 18:13) "God have mercy on me a sinner"

As for the 1 john passage I think it is clear from reading the surronding verses that it is talkingto believers.

 

[TheDag]

I consider being aware of a sin, mentally registering it, and investigating ways to improve, a kind of confession already. God is in my consciousness, and for all I know, the very one encouraging me to acknowledge an unkind thought or bad deed.

I might on later reflection in prayer bring it before the Lord, but in most cases I feel like it is ground we have already covered together, so it seems almost superstitious to mention it.

If I had a terrible fight with someone and said harsh words, jumped into my car, took a corner too fast and was killed, I don't think I would be lost because I failed to confess the sin. I don't see Salvation as being something either switched on or switched off, depending upon my actions.

well there is nothing in the bible that says if we haven't confessed our sins we will not go to heaven

 

[Peripatetic]

I confess sin regularly, but I often wonder how much of it I'm not seeing. Over the years, I've come to discover areas of sin that I never would have thought before. I have to think there are others that I'm missing. I wonder if I'm confessing the fringe while missing the worst of it (particularly in the areas of pride and greed which seem to be the most blinding).

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

I do not think there is anyway out of not confessing sin, although I still believe that not sinning makes no difference in our standing with God, we are covered in the righteousness of Christ and that makes us His children (I do see though that it affects our relationship with God by sinning).

If you want a relationship with the true God you must see and respect and bow to the truth that He is holy and His holiness deeply desires (demands) us to confess and forsake all known sin in our life. OCD has been trying to pervert this aspect of my relationship with God by turning it into a scruple and an obsession.

When I am clear minded though I can see that the Holy Spirit still desires me to confess the known sin in my life. As I have said His holiness demands it of me. I thank all of you for leading me to this position.

 

[Sasha37]

I'm probably repeating what someone else has already said, but I'll say it anyway. I found that when I asked God for forgiveness, I was mentally telling myself that he hadn't forgiven me unless I asked for it. We are already forgiven, so let's act that way. Try thanking God for His forgiveness each time instead of asking for it because it IS important to come into agreement with Him about your sin, this way you keep that closeness and intimacy with Him and do not allow any kind of sin to subtly come between you and the Lord.

 

[tturt]

1. SolldierOfSoul I agree with your conclusion. 2 Chronicles 7:14
   "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." To me this verse is saying - if believers repent, Yahweh forgives us. Being unrepentant doesn't change us going to heaven but repenting puts us back properly positioned with Him. One way this is shown is in Scriptures such as Matt 6:15 that say forgive so your prayers will be answered. Of course this isn't the only thing that keeps our prayers from being answered just using that verse as an example.

Though it is very important to accept His forgiveness. In other words, once we've asks Yahweh for forgiveness, we don't have to keep asking for forgiveness for the same occurrence of that sin over and over. Because He is faithful to forgive us (I john 1:9).