The Key To Personal Revival – Confession Of Sins

   Clear teaching concerning the confession of sins by Christians is one of the most neglected doctrines of today. Such confession is taught in Scripture and has been the hallmark of every great revival.

    Charles Finney, the great American evangelist, has said: "A revival of religion may be expected when Christians confess their sins one to another. At other times they confess in a general manner, as if they were only half in earnest. They may do it in eloquent language, but it does not mean anything. But when, by the Spirit’s power, there is a simple breaking down, and a pouring out of the heart in confession of sin, the floodgates of revival will soon burst open and salvation will flow over that place." The truth of this statement can be found in the records of great revivals in every generation that has experienced the movings of the Spirit.

    Confession of sin must be specific and not general. The principle of specific confession is clearly taught in Leviticus 5:5: "And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing."

   John, the beloved disciple, says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Today, the price of revival involves the heart-searching of the Spirit, candid admission of failure, immediate confession to God, and confession to persons involved. The Holy Spirit who searches the heart will guide in the confession.

    During the Welsh Revival, Evan Roberts said, "The prophecy of Joel is to be fulfilled. There the Lord says, ‘I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh’ (Joel 2:28). If that is so, all flesh must be prepared to receive. The past must be clear. Every sin must be confessed to God. Any wrong to man must be put right. Everything doubtful must be removed at once out of our lives. Obedience to the Spirit of God must be implicit and prompt. There must be public confession of Christ. He said, ‘I, if I be lifted up…will draw all men unto Me’ (John 12:32). Christ must be all in all!"

    Another has said, "There is a time when praying should give way to confession and cleansing. When prayer becomes a cloak for covering sin, it betrays you.

    "Have you an ill-feeling toward your brother, yet you piously pray at every prayer meeting? Quit praying, and give way to confession first. Are you living in secret sin, yet you pray publicly, thus giving the church the impression you are living a holy life? Quit praying and repent!"

    – Author Unknown.