Topical Encyclopedia Confession of sin is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a means for believers to acknowledge their transgressions before God and seek His forgiveness. This act of confession is not merely a verbal admission but is deeply intertwined with the attitude of the heart, which should be marked by self-abasement. Self-abasement, in this context, refers to a humble recognition of one's own unworthiness and a sincere contrition for having sinned against a holy and righteous God.The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the necessity of self-abasement accompanying confession. In the Old Testament, the account of King David offers a profound example. After his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent confrontation by the prophet Nathan, David's response was one of deep humility and repentance. In Psalm 51, David cries out, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me" (Psalm 51:3). His psalm is a heartfelt plea for mercy, underscoring his broken spirit and contrite heart, which God does not despise (Psalm 51:17). The prophet Daniel also exemplifies this principle. In Daniel 9, he offers a prayer of confession on behalf of Israel, acknowledging their collective sin and pleading for God's mercy. Daniel's prayer is characterized by a profound sense of humility and self-abasement, as he states, "We have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled; we have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances" (Daniel 9:5). In the New Testament, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, as recounted by Jesus in Luke 18:9-14, further illustrates the importance of self-abasement in confession. The tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even lift his eyes to heaven but beat his breast, saying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Jesus commends the tax collector's humility, stating that he went home justified before God, unlike the self-righteous Pharisee. The apostle James also emphasizes the need for humility in confession, instructing believers to "humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" (James 4:10). This humility is a recognition of one's dependence on God's grace and mercy, acknowledging that apart from Him, there is no forgiveness or restoration. Self-abasement in confession is not about self-deprecation or a denial of one's worth in Christ but rather an honest acknowledgment of one's sinfulness and a genuine sorrow for having grieved God. It is an attitude that aligns with the Beatitudes, where Jesus declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This poverty of spirit is a recognition of one's spiritual neediness and a reliance on God's grace. In summary, confession of sin, when accompanied by self-abasement, reflects a heart that is truly repentant and open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It is an essential practice for maintaining a right relationship with God, fostering spiritual growth, and experiencing the fullness of His forgiveness and grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 64:5,6You meet him that rejoices and works righteousness, those that remember you in your ways: behold, you are wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 3:25 Library Letter xxxix. To Paula. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Relation 1. Sent to St. Peter of Alcantara in 1560 from the ... The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ... A Canticle of Love Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Is there power in positive confession? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Belgic Confession? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about confession of sin to a priest? | GotQuestions.org Confession: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Confession of Sin: Exhortation To Confession of Sin: Followed by Pardon Confession of Sin: God Regards Confession of Sin: God Requires Confession of Sin: Illustrated Confession of Sin: Promises To Confession of Sin: should be Accompanied With: Forsaking Sin Confession of Sin: should be Accompanied With: Godly Sorrow Confession of Sin: should be Accompanied With: Prayer for Forgiveness Confession of Sin: should be Accompanied With: Restitution Confession of Sin: should be Accompanied With: Self-Abasement Confession of Sin: should be Accompanied With: Submission to Punishment Confession of Sin: should be Full and Unreserved Related Terms |
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