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Pastor's Blog March 26, 2020
"The Conditions of Obtaining Mercy"
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In her chapter on confession in "Steps to Christ," Ellen makes two basic claims that are often misunderstood; we'll look at the first claim this week. Ellen says pointedly, "Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt, have not yet fulfilled the first condition of acceptance" (23; 1977 edition). In the next sentence, she lays out a long list of "requirements" in confession: if we haven't experienced repentance or confessed our sins "with true humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit" while "abhorring" our sin, then this means we have never searched for God's forgiveness or found peace with God (23-24). It is tempting to read all this language and conclude that what God (as conveyed through our friend Ellen) demands is that we confess our sins, as well as do all these extra spiritual things. But that is not what Ellen is saying.
Ellen points out that "the conditions of obtaining mercy of God are simple and just and reasonable" (23). God is not an ogre, nor is he arbitrary. What is necessary is that we confess our sins to God and anyone we have hurt (23). But what exactly does confession mean? What does confession entail? Do we simply say, "I did this and I'm sorry," and then go on our merry way?
Ellen paints us quite a helpful picture of what confession looks like. In order to confess our sins, we need to humble our pride and actually recognize we were wrong; only humility enables us to confess our sins in a manner that is not "flippant and careless," and which acknowledges "the very sins of which you are guilty" (24). And it is only through humility that we are brought to a place where we see our sin for what it is - an utter horror! - and truly come to detest it for the injury it does to the heart of God, others, and ourselves (23-24).
According to the immediate context, Ellen's list of "things you have to do" in order to confess your sins are not additional requirements of confession; rather, they are realities that accompany confession. True confession isn't simply saying, "I'm sorry," but is actual sorrow for sin and its destructiveness.
Friends, remember that confession and humility are both God's gifts to you, from which spring all these other spiritual gifts that are designed to give you a deep and meaningful relationship with the Lord.
(*) Steps to Christ 1977 edition; Chapter 4, “Confession”
God Bless.
Pastor Nathaniel Gamble
