A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 6: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i t y : The “Corporate” Di sc i p l i nes 237

forgiveness were also preceded by confessions of sin, indicating that Jewish people in the first few centuries a.d. generally recognized the idea; cf. also Psalms of Solomon 9.6, etc.). (Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament . [1 John 1.8]. [electronic ed.] Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993).

2. Key texts

a. Confession of faith

(1) 1 Cor. 12.3 – Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. (2) 1 Cor. 8.6 – Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. (3) Rom. 10.9-10 – Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. b. Personal confession of sin, 1 John 1.8-10 – If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

c. Confession to neighbor for wrong done against them, Luke 15.18-19 – I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against