confess, confession

Definition

To confess means to admit or assert that something is true. A “confession” is a statement or admission that something is true.

• The term “confess” can refer to boldly stating the truth about God. It can also refer to admitting that we have sinned.
• The Bible says that if people confess their sins to God, he will forgive them.
• James the apostle wrote in his letter that when believers confess their sins to each other, this brings spiritual healing.
• The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that someday everyone will confess or declare that Jesus is Lord.
• Paul also said that if people confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead, they will be saved.

Translation Suggestions

• Depending on the context, ways to translate “confess” could include, “admit” or “testify” or “declare” or “acknowledge” or “affirm.”
• Different ways to translate “confession” could be, “declaration” or “testimony” or “statement about what we believe” or “admitting sin.”

(See also: faith, testimony)

Bible References

• 1 John 1:8-10
• 2 John 1:7-8
• James 5:16
• Leviticus 5:5-6
• Matthew 3:4-6
• Nehemiah 1:6-7
• Philippians 2:9-11
• Psalms 38:17-18

Word Data

• Strong’s: H3034, H8426, G18430, G36700, G36710