At the end of the day, this is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is a kingdom issue. —Efrem Smith Summer 2008

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Confession and repentance are increasingly disappearing from the church, despite the clear witness of both Scripture and our spiritual heritage. What has contributed to this trend? Although there are many factors, I've identified three factors. One of these, no doubt, is the influence of the so-called "seeker-sensitive" movement, with the notable influence of those who insist that references to sin and confession are not positive and affirming.

Others contend that confession is a violation of the gospel; they argue that Christians no longer need to confess our sins because they have been forgiven—past, present, and future. One radio personality declares that every time we confess our sins after we become Christians, we "nail Christ to the cross again."

Finally, some therapists suggest that confession is not consistent with our experience being victims. They observe that every time we sin, we are acting out the ways in which we have been wronged or wounded. Confessing our sins only legitimizes those who have wronged us.

Yet neglecting confession has serious consequences and distorts both the gospel and our real capacity for transformation. One of the great longings of our generation is for someone to explain how we can be forgiven of the guilt we feel. We simply do not know the gospel unless we come to terms with our sin; even though we are "in Christ" and no longer under condemnation, real spiritual growth demands that we learn what it means to be healed. Both the Puritan and Wesleyan heritage, for example, demonstrate that confession is integral to genuine spiritual growth. And, while we are certainly victims, through confession we learn to take personal responsibility for our lives and insist that we will not wrong ...

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