The Corporate Discipline of Confession .

  It is the act of admitting that you have done something wrong or illegal:  

–  Occasionally it also means to concede or allow (John 1: 19-20 “Now this was John’s 

testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20

He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Christ.”). or to praise God 

by thankfully acknowledging him (Romans 14:11-12 “11 It is written: “‘As surely as I 

live,’ says the Lord ,’every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'” a 

12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. ).

According to Richard Foster in his book, Celebration of Disciples provides the audience with a comprehensive understanding about discipleship through covering various topics. This author starts by portraying the way confession tend to draw people into the divine secret of restoration. In this case, most people are aware that confession is a way of reconciling with God, hence, proving the fact that the concession discipline talks more than depleting the guilt linked with a certain transgression. In relation to the above statement, it occurs that during confession people should get out of their hiding in order to experience restoration of shalom. Still, in confession people to offer to Christ their repentance and brokenness, and Jesus, on the other hand, gives them the key to Eden. In consideration with the above point, it is clear that confession is an activity that enables individuals to discover the desire of God to forgive and give as well as being acquainted about His nature and yearning to live with people in peace. The above details indicate that it is only through confession that God heals the past sorrows and sins, hence, contribute to restoration that lost when someone commits sins. 

Authority to Forgive

With regard to Forster, the power to forgive does not threaten the efficiency or the power of the private confession. As a matter of fact, the authority to forgive acts as a wonderful truth people can engage in a new life without being supported by any human mediator. In particular, the present reality in the church is like a breath of fresh air and as a result, people are encouraged to liberate themselves from the manipulation and bondage that creep on the religious acknowledgment system. In connection with the above information, the individuals who are aware of the forgiveness normally separate themselves from continuous nagging and sinning habits through confessing privately in order to obtain God’s mercy. On the other hand, some fellows tend to convince themselves that God forgives sins only, but He does not heal human memory. However, the above individuals know deep in their heart that forgiveness normally come through faith since God is not a liar. 

Diary of Confession

In the diary of confession, people should divide their life into various instances, that is, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood as well as planning time of talking with God. For instance, people can select specific days when they should commit themselves to meditation and prayer. At this point, individuals should pray God to reveal to them anything concerning their childhood that either need healing or forgiveness or both.

Example:  Jeremiah 33;3.  However, people should write down anything revealed to them about their childhood life, hence, managing to surface their conscious minds and also obtaining the capability of analyzing different items or making a suitable judgment concerning them. More important, people should have faith the God will show them anything requiring his healing touch. Still, people can also set aside another moment for assessing their adolescent time and the other time for analyzing their adulthood period, thus, ensuring they have scrutinized their entire life in an effective and efficient manner. Essentially, the aspect of recording the previous activities on a dairy book will ease the process of confessing and requesting forgiveness from people and God. 

Counsel in the Confession Giving

There are various principles that people should understand regarding the process of giving a confession. First, individuals should be aware that they have an obligation of loving others because God loved them first and be aware that it is through adoration that human being can be able to make a confession. Moreover, it is important to know that the evidence of grace and mercy makes the heart to be remorseful, hence, facilitating the flow of confession. Furthermore, believes should also apprehend that God always waits for them like a prodigal son who was welcomed by his father even after misusing the wealth given unto him. (Luke 15:11–32.)  Based on the above information, it is essential to understand that God will often be ready to forgive those who confess their sins and ask for forgiveness.  Otherwise, there are three vital things in confession and they include an examination of sorrow, conscience and the urge of avoiding sins.

Bible verse : Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

Counsel about Receiving a Confession

The aspect of receiving a confession start by learning and training oneself to live beneath the cross. According to Bonhoeffer, it is clear that individuals who live under the Cross, as well as those discerning it, will never be condemned by wicked persons. On the other hand, the persons who are depressed by the awfulness of their own sins that put Jesus on the Cross will not be worried any more even by the rankest sins committed by the people close to them. In consideration with the above information, the Forster shows that confession has the power of delivering people from conveying any form of superiority attitude since individuals are aware of the mercy, grace of God and deception of the human heart. Indeed, the above passage caution people from pointing fingers unto other persons since everybody is a sinner. 

          Confession involves three things

a) An acceptance of full responsibility

b) The expectation and receiving forgiveness

c) Penance, a time to pause and reflect

For confession to be genuine there must be

a) The examination of our conscience

b) Sorrow-deep regret at having offended the heart of God

c) A determination to avoid sin

To make an examination of conscience:

• Begin with a prayer asking for God’s help.
• Review your life with the help of some questions, which are based on the 10 Commandments.
• Tell God how truly sorry you are for your sins.
• Make a firm resolution not to sin again.

                              BENEFITS OF CONFESSION 

1. Confession brings us peace
2. Confession helps us become more sainty more like Jesus 
3.  Confession  helps us overcome vice 
4. Confession  makes us to better ‘know oneself / thyself .’
5. Confession makes our will stronger. 

                                                      References

Celebtation of Discipline by Richard  Foster .