1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Since when is confession the same thing as seeking forgiveness? The illusion of sameness is ancient. It stems from “Forgive me father for I have sinned.” This is seeking forgiveness from man not God. The issue of confession is admission of sin and the discussion needs to move forward to contrition, a change in attitude and direction.

I will admit there is high value in confession but the purpose is not forgiveness, it is submission and accountability. We are to be subject one to another. This is not the surrender of rights and responsibilities, it is seeking counsel and encouragement from another believer. That person does not have to be your priest, elder or pastor. As long as that person has demonstrated love towards you is what is required.

It is called accountability partners. You need someone who puts your best interest to heart. This partnership can only be discovered in fellowship of the saints. He or she (same sex) needs to be a believer with the same foundational beliefs you hold. All tensions and contentions must be absent in this relationship. If you cannot trust this person, you will not confess your deepest and darkest moments.

It has to be a two way street. You need to be there for them just as much as they are for you. None of us are beyond the need for succor. If one side is the only confessor, then he loses the sense and opportunity for value in the relationship. Friendship has value when both side lend support.

I’ve had unproductive partners in the past. Those were ones who made lite of my confession with statements like, “We all feel that way.”; “That isn’t important.”; “Don’t worry about it.” If I come to you with a concern, then I am troubled and I need answers not permission.

Romans 16:25-27 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Here at the end of Romans Paul has finally drawn the conclusion upon which all the previous chapters have built upon and now comes at the closing. Only God has the power to establish you. The revelation of the mystery is Christ in you. All will come to know Him in you by obedience of faith. This is God’s glory and not of man.

Key to this endeavor is obedience of faith. We live in a world of performance and reward. The grace extended to us and thru us in not performance based. Grace by definition is unmerited favor. It is not based on performance or adherence to laws. It is based in Christ in you who is the faithful one and only what He does is counted for righteousness sake.

At this time some of you are going to raise your hands and cry out, “What about my sins?” If you are in Christ and Christ in you, sin no longer holds sway over you. You have a choice. Do we always make the right choices? No, if we did then forgiveness would no longer be required to ease your conscience. You see the only thing bothering you about your sins at this point is your good conscience.

Repent, that is turning around and go with God. Some of us understand that seeking forgiveness after you have accepted the work of the cross is redundant. You have already been forgiven. The repenting and turning is what is required of you. We remind you that your sins have already been forgiven, even those you commit tomorrow.