On a similar note - confession

[chezahu]

I've continued to feel weighed down by what I've done, although there has been some encouragement along the way. I've spoken to some people (my pastor, a close friend and somewhat of a mentor), but I feel that I may have missed out on something because I didn't reveal the depths of what I'd truly done. I guess my question is, is it wise to confess not just the nature of your sin, but exactly what you've done? I think it would impact the relationship I have with people.

There's also the issue of feeling isolated and not having solid iron-sharpening-iron christian relationships with other men, which I feel could have kept me from this sin in the first place.

I fear that if I confess the specific sin(s), rather than prayer and restoration I might be meet with human wrath/ rejection because as 1 John 5:16-17 says,
1 John 5:16-17 ESV
[16] If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. [17] All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
So I worry my sin isn't even worth praying for, and I'll always be rejected by people, and wondering if my salvation is valid.

I write a lot here lately, sorry if it's a lot but like I said, it's hard to bring these things to people in real life.

 

[WIP]

I've continued to feel weighed down by what I've done, although there has been some encouragement along the way. I've spoken to some people (my pastor, a close friend and somewhat of a mentor), but I feel that I may have missed out on something because I didn't reveal the depths of what I'd truly done. I guess my question is, is it wise to confess not just the nature of your sin, but exactly what you've done? I think it would impact the relationship I have with people.

There's also the issue of feeling isolated and not having solid iron-sharpening-iron christian relationships with other men, which I feel could have kept me from this sin in the first place.

I fear that if I confess the specific sin(s), rather than prayer and restoration I might be meet with human wrath/ rejection because as 1 John 5:16-17 says,
1 John 5:16-17 ESV
[16] If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. [17] All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
So I worry my sin isn't even worth praying for, and I'll always be rejected by people, and wondering if my salvation is valid.

I write a lot here lately, sorry if it's a lot but like I said, it's hard to bring these things to people in real life.

Maybe you should focus less on your sin and more on the One that has the power to forgive you. We all are guilty of sin. But, through Jesus we can be forgiven and set free from the chains of sin. You can take that to the bank!

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9 NKJV

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
John 8:34-36 NKJV

 

[Who Me]

I've continued to feel weighed down by what I've done,

1John1:8,If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9,If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

If you have spoken to God about your actions and have confessed to him your sin, your shame and admitted both your guilt and repentance.
Why then do you doubt that God has forgiven you.

The key word in your post is " feel ", you need as WIP has said concentrate on what God has done for you, to forgive yourself and move on. Get involved in your local church, talk to other Christian men and accept the truth, that Jesus cleanses you from ALL sin.

 

[for_his_glory]

I've continued to feel weighed down by what I've done, although there has been some encouragement along the way. I've spoken to some people (my pastor, a close friend and somewhat of a mentor), but I feel that I may have missed out on something because I didn't reveal the depths of what I'd truly done. I guess my question is, is it wise to confess not just the nature of your sin, but exactly what you've done? I think it would impact the relationship I have with people.

There's also the issue of feeling isolated and not having solid iron-sharpening-iron christian relationships with other men, which I feel could have kept me from this sin in the first place.

I fear that if I confess the specific sin(s), rather than prayer and restoration I might be meet with human wrath/ rejection because as 1 John 5:16-17 says,
1 John 5:16-17 ESV
[16] If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. [17] All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
So I worry my sin isn't even worth praying for, and I'll always be rejected by people, and wondering if my salvation is valid.

I write a lot here lately, sorry if it's a lot but like I said, it's hard to bring these things to people in real life.

If others that call themselves a Christian judge you instead of supporting you they truly are not of Christ's own. God knows the intent of the heart and hears the prayers of a righteous man as it is God alone who can forgive us and remembers our sin no more. We all struggle with certain things as none of us are perfect, but being made perfect everyday as we draw closer to Jesus. Galatians 5:16-26

Feelings can be deceiving at times as Satan loves to plant doubt in our mind and tries to steal our faith. Tell yourself "not today Satan".

 

[chezahu]

thanks for all the advice; I'll try to make this the last time I post about it lol. Keep me in your prayers though, direction definitely needed.

 

[Beetow]

So I worry my sin isn't even worth praying for, and I'll always be rejected by people, and
wondering if my salvation is valid.

I have a few words to say about 1John 1:5-9 but first about the concept of joint
principal.

Those two words aren't in the Bible verbatim but the concept is very definitely
implied. For example:

● Rom 6:3 . . Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death?

In other words; folks unified with Christ are accounted crucified with him so that
they no longer need fear the ultimate retribution because they already faced their
fair measure of justice on the cross.

● Rom 6:6 . . For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body
of sin might be done away with.

● Gal 2:20 . . I am crucified with Christ

● Col 3:3-4 . . For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

So then, if all four of those verses are 100% the God's truth, they why are folks
unified with Christ required to comply with 1John 1:5-9?

Well; I see written, and I hear spoken, a lot about forgiveness, but rarely ever see
or hear a word about hygiene; to wit: 1John 1:9 & John 13:4-10.

Fellowship is mentioned four times in the first chapter of 1John-- twice at verse,
once at verse 6, and again at verse 7. The Greek word pertains to partnership, i.e.
participation.

In a nutshell; it is absolutely impossible for folks unified with Christ to end up in
perdition by neglecting to confess their sins-- no matter how serious those sins
might be. However, Christ has his standards; viz: if they would like to work with
him, and have a part in his ongoing mission per Matt 28:19-20, then confession is
essential because Christ prefers a team of bathed associates rather than soiled.
_

 

[Johann!@#]

I've continued to feel weighed down by what I've done, although there has been some encouragement along the way. I've spoken to some people (my pastor, a close friend and somewhat of a mentor), but I feel that I may have missed out on something because I didn't reveal the depths of what I'd truly done. I guess my question is, is it wise to confess not just the nature of your sin, but exactly what you've done? I think it would impact the relationship I have with people.

I understand what you’re going through, brother, and I can empathize with your experience. You don’t need to confess your sins to a priest or a pastor. I’ve also been deeply hurt by practices within some Pentecostal and Charismatic circles, especially regarding "open confessions" and attributing demons where they aren’t present.

Confession to God-
Scripture clearly teaches that we are to confess our sins directly to God:

1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Greek verb: ὁμολογῶμεν (homologōmen), meaning "we confess" (Present Active Subjunctive, 1st Person Plural).

This verse indicates that the act of confession is directed toward God, who alone has the power to forgive and cleanse.

Confession to One Another (Not Mandated to Pastors or Priests):
While Scripture encourages believers to confess sins to one another, it is not limited to a pastoral or priestly role-

James 5:16 - "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed."

Greek verb: ἐξομολογεῖσθε (exomologeisthe), meaning "confess" (Present Middle/Passive Imperative, 2nd Person Plural).

The focus here is on mutual accountability and prayer within the community of believers, not a hierarchical or clerical confession.

Confessing Christ, Not Sins, Publicly:
Confession in a public sense pertains to declaring faith, not listing sins before a congregation:

Matthew 10:32 - "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven."

Greek verb: ὁμολογήσει (homologēsei), meaning "will acknowledge" (Future Active Indicative, 3rd Person Singular).

This context speaks of professing faith openly rather than disclosing sins publicly.

Personal Reflection--
It’s important to remember that confession, as taught in Scripture, is fundamentally about a personal, honest relationship with God. No one should pressure you into publicly confessing your sins or attribute spiritual problems where there are none. Genuine repentance and confession are between you and God, facilitated by His Spirit and truth.

Stay strong, I'm no spiritual giant brother.

Johann.

 

[onlysaved]

1. Sin is done away with. Every sin you have committed already, the sin your committing now and all the sin you'll commit in the future.. al dealt with by Christ on the cross. That part of your life is over you never have to worry about sin ever again.

Now because of that Just live in Jesus. Get to know Him through His word and prayer. Let the word reflect into your life and do what it says.
This is a very simplistic answer. It's also the only thing that works.

I'll combine two scriptures here for you.

"If you confess your sins He is faithful and just He will forgive your sins and purify you from all unrighteousness"

"So long as it depends on you live at peace with all men"

If dragging up the details of your past sins will cause more damage just let it lie and occasionally you'll be reminded of that guilt you HAD this can simply be the consequences of sin it's also a leverage point Satan can and will use in an effort to destroy you if you dwell on it.

That is my view alone.