I'm still in the tale end of chapter 3 heading into chapter 4. I'm reading about confession's place in repentance. Here is my first thought toward this passage, with many more following:
Confession is a true friend's task
Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. Proverbs 27:9
I have had several good friends. People I just enjoy being around. People that laugh at my stupid jokes, and understand my unique way of venting conflicts. They just like the way I currently am and are patient with me while I become like Him. I bet you, dear reader, have had some of these relationships, too. Life giving, soul refreshing, breaths of life. Cling to these guys and be close so sin won't be. My point: a good friendship will have the elements of light so deeply ingrained in it that there is no shadow in which to hide. Confession will be a part of living life in community with men you trust and love. Page 37 drills this idea home.
Back to the Book
"They who will not confess their sin as David did, that they may be pardoned, shall confess their sin as Achan did, that they may be stoned." (pg. 32) I think this is what will happen on the last day during that "Every knee shall bow..." celebration. Honestly, in my misunderstanding, I always wondered how someone could confess Christ then be sentenced to eternity in Hell. The root of my failed logic lies in my thinking of salvation as a recipe: 2 parts "Jesus is Lord", 2 parts "Jesus is savior" and presto... Christian Lasagna. Watson, I think, is attacking this simplistic view of salvation as well. Not that its complicated, but it is. Make sense? Oh Jesus, help us...
Sin
Katie, like Eve, is responsible for all my failings...Sorry, babe.
In my mind, I extenuate my sins.
I blame shift, mainly towards God.
And I'm a damn good complainer!
I don't speak
My eyes often darken my soul.
I need the light and confession helps it shine through.
I love Watson's usage of gross similes. Confession is like: lancing an abscess, letting out bad blood from a vein, and opening a dung gate.
Confession of sin is agreeing with truth. I can't deny or justify my sin. I can't explain why it happened. There is no logic. Sin is insane; to rationalize it only wounds the victims more, confuses the thinker, and makes a fan of modern psychology. Being a sinner (one who sins) is needing Christ.
I love the promises associated with confession on pages 35&36. If I confess God will be faithful and just to forgive.
"...draw up an indictment against yourself and plead guilty, and you shall be sure of mercy."
Auricular...That's another cool word.
Ok, I hope you worship Christ more through reading this. Thanks, friends.
In Christ Alone,
David
For Katie:
"I love you," said Katie.
"And I love you," replied David, as they snuggled as deep in the covers as they are in love. All of David's days are lovely because of his wonderful wife. He doesn't know how gracious God really has been to him by loaning her to him. All of their troubles are kind of worth it, in the right lighting, and together.
