Confession and Offering

Some people think that confession only is needed if they’re caught in a sin. But God has higher standards. He wants us to be concerned about being clean in His sight.

We must realize that unconfessed sin inevitably leads to guilt and greater burdens. If we truly want to be free, we must confess our sin even if no one else knows…or it will fester.

The importance of confession was confirmed in the New Testament when John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

The Law also said that those confessing their sins needed to bring a “guilt offering to the LORD for his sin” (v. 6). This offering was so important that it applied to everyone. Ideally, they would offer “a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat.” But those who couldn’t afford these offerings could bring “two turtledoves or two young pigeons” (v. 7). And if a person couldn’t afford to even bring these common birds, they could bring “the tenth of an ephah of fine flour” (v. 11)– not very much.

The principle was that everyone could do something to make an appropriate offering. There were no excuses for not making an offering to God.

Today, remember that God wants you to be clean in His sight–forgiven. Start by confessing your sins, even the sins no one else knows about.

The Lord knows your heart. Remember the importance of making an offering to Him. Accept the finished work of Jesus on the Cross for your sins, and then make your life a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Commit everything to Him!