Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi

I’ve come to a strange realization - confessing sins is overrated. Don’t get me wrong - I’m convinced of the necessity of it, I’m just not convinced that we’ve a healthy understanding of it.

Here’s why. A little research (albeit basic and not very intense research) shows that the word “confess” appears 10 times in the NIV New Testament - twice of them refer to confessing sins. The word “repent”? 26 times. My understanding of “confessing” sin has to do with admitting it; my understanding of “repenting” has to do with re-directing one’s life. Could this mean that “confessing” our sins isn’t really the point, but rather “repenting” of our former sinfulness is? Of course it could!

Taken a little further, it’s probably misleading for ministers to “assure people of their pardon” (as we do in the reformed tradition) for merely confessing their sins - perhaps that ought to be reserved for those who confess with intent to amend as we suggest in the prepatory service (#1) before the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

I realize that, practically speaking, this may require little change in our worship, but it is important; the comfort we offer our congregations may be misleading if they end up believing (as many probably do!) that mere confession is the end of the process.

One more reason we ought to stick to the liturgy rather than making it up as we go!

Grace and Peace,
`tim

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