Confession of sin.
I. THE DUTY OF CONFESSION. This implies, first, a recognition of guilt in our own consciousness; and second, an admission of it in the presence of God.
1. If we have sinned, it is wrong to ignore the fact or to forget it, till we have repented and have been forgiven. To do so will foster insincerity and self-deception, and will harden the heart in sin. We must first admit our guilt to ourselves.
2. If we have sinned, we are required to declare our guilt before God. The guilt must not be hidden in the secret darkness of our own consciousness. It must be confessed. Though we may confess our sins one to another, the supreme duty is to confess them to God, because
II. THE TESTS OF SINCERE CONFESSION. NO duty is more often obeyed only in outward form, and yet there is no duty in which unreality and superficiality are more fatal.
1. One test of sincerity is the presence of real grief (Daniel 9:3). There may be a bald admission of guilt without any feeling of compunction. This is of no value.
2. Another test is the feeling of shame: "confusion of faces." There is a confession which glories in wickedness. True confession is self-humiliating (Genesis 3:7-10).
III. THE GROUNDS OF CONFESSION.
1. A consideration of our conduct in the light of the nature and character of God.
2. A consideration of our conduct in the light of our obligations.
IV. THE PERSONAL APPLICATION OF THE DUTY OF CONFESSION.
1. It is universal. Daniel includes men of all classes and in all situations. We cannot shake off our guilt by leaving the scenes of our sins. We carry this burden with us (verse 7). The rich and great are not exempt (verse 8).
2. It is personal. The prophet writes in the first person—"we." Confession must be individual.
V. THE ENDS OF CONFESSION.
1. It is right on its own account, as an evidence of sincerity (1 John 1:8).
2. It is a necessary condition of forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
3. It is the first step towards a better life. As we admit the evil of the past we are more able to do better for the future (Psalms 51:7-10).