Counsel of Spiritual Life

Counsel #7 — Humility In Confession And Repentance

Picture: Counsel #7 — Humility In Confession And Repentance CSL 81.1

Christ’s righteousness comes to those who have truly repented. Our confession is to God alone, unless there is someone who has been hurt by our sin. If we have treated anyone unkindly, then part of genuine repentance is to humble ourselves and confess what we have done to the person we have harmed by word or deed. CSL 81.2

Yet another benefit of confession and repentance is the promise that God will then actually live within us, reviving our spirit and giving us joy and zest for living the Christian life.^[81] CSL 81.3

“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15 NKJV CSL 81.4

“Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart, and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive, and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” Ellen White in The Faith I Live By, p. 128 CSL 81.5

Reflect: Have you taken time to reflect about the concept of personal repentance, asking God to bring to your mind your sins and give you courage to confess and forsake them? CSL 81.6