August 16

Uncover and Confess Sin

He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. — Prov 28:13 BSB

Here is the path of mercy for a guilty and repentant sinner. They must stop trying to hide their sin. Many attempt to cover it by lying, denying its existence; by hypocrisy, pretending righteousness; by boasting, justifying wrong actions; or by loud religious professions, trying to atone for their guilt.

But the sinner’s duty is to confess and forsake sin. These two actions must be done together. Confession must be made sincerely to the Lord Himself, acknowledging the wrong, feeling its weight, and hating it. There must be no attempt to shift the blame onto others, nor excuses made about circumstances or weakness. We must make a full confession, pleading guilty to all charges. Mercy cannot come until this is done.

Furthermore, sin must be forsaken. Having confessed, we must abandon any present or future intent to continue in rebellion. The habit of sin must be broken, along with anything that leads us back into it—be it places, companions, or pursuits. Not because confession and reformation earn forgiveness, but because, alongside faith in Jesus' blood, they lead to pardon and peace.