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Confession And One's Dignity

Question

What If A Person's Dignity Makes It Impossible To Confess?

Quick Answer

"There are those who, while they think that it is perfectly proper for others to confess their mistakes, think that their position makes it impossible for them to confess their mistakes. My brethren, if you expect your sins to be blotted out by the blood of Christ, you must confess them." {3MR 417.4}

Bible Answer

1 John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Inspired Answer

"We need to understand the work that is going forward in heaven. In this the great antitypical day of atonement, we need to be in perfect harmony with the work being carried forward in heaven. We need to repent and confess our sins. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” { 3MR 417.3 }  It is too late for us to stand on our dignity. There are those who, while they think that it is perfectly proper for others to confess their mistakes, think that their position makes it impossible for them to confess their mistakes. My brethren, if you expect your sins to be blotted out by the blood of Christ, you must confess them. If your brethren have a knowledge of your errors, if your position has given wideness to your influence, it is all the more necessary that you make a full confession. ...  Let our sins go beforehand to judgment, that they may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.—Manuscript 22, 1890, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9. (Diary, January 10—March 1, 1890.) { 3MR 417.4 } 

Further Thoughts

I am very aware of how difficult it is to seek out the other people to confess shortcomings and affronts. The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy are clear that such confessing, however, is needful. Remember, going to others isn't to expose all of our dirty laundry in front of them, rather to confess those specific things in which we have offended.—Dan