We need to be reminded weekly that not only were we sinners, but we still are sinners. We not only needed the gospel when we were dead in our sins (Eph. 2), but still need the gospel now. A church that recognizes the depth of its sin is a church that is wading into the deep end of the Gospel of grace.
An individual worshipper who approaches a holy God by confessing their sin is engaging in biblical worship (i.e., Isaiah 6, Rev. 1, etc.). I need it weekly and so do you!
This doesn’t mean that it has to look the same way week-in and week-out. We could sing our confession (i.e., Psalm 51), read a psalm responsively, recite the Ten Commandments, silently confess after each, join our heart with the pastor’s voice as he leads in corporate confession, include it in the pastoral prayer or have a directed confession of sin.
The form can vary, but the element should be there.
We also want to confess our sins weekly in corporate worship, because when we don’t, we miss out on one of the most powerful encouragements and joyful moments of gathering together: the assurance of God’s pardoning grace.
If we aren’t confessing sin, then there is no place for the assurance of pardon in our services. And, oh, how we rob ourselves if it isn’t present! What joy ought to erupt from the hearts of God’s people when we hear the words of assurance; how lively it should make our praise in song!
I need the reminder each and every week,
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1)
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
We are Gospel people, so we are a confessing people—quick to recognize our sin and quick to receive the assurance of God’s grace in Christ Jesus.
We need it not only in our closets, but also in our gatherings. We need it not only in the past, but also in the present. We need it not only sporadically, but weekly. We all need it. The flippant Christian needs to be reminded each week. The sluggard needs to be exhorted each week. The weary one needs to be comforted each week. The doubting soul needs to be assured each week. The unrepentant heart needs to be confronted each week.
I need it each week. The people under our care need it each week. We need it together. Whether our service is Presbyterian, Baptist or Independent, traditional, contemporary or blended, it should have this element.
For Christian worship, a confession of sin with its accompanying assurance of pardon is elemental.
