Tuesday Bible Study Notes

Prayer, Principle 5A. Forgiveness-Confession Mr. C. Pat Lanyon

Needs related to 2B. life’s elements: 1C. Spiritual 2C. Physical (food, sex, sleep, exercise) 3C. MENTAL/EMOTIONAL– [right thinking] 4C. SOCIAL – favor (time with/for others.) 5C. FINANCIAL stewardship.

Accountability for ability and talents given motivates faithfulness. Remembrance of that accountability is essential on a daily basis. Stewardship is worship.

There are various needs we see as a human being, and the above are those which seem to be basic to all our race and within the Christian or biblical viewpoint. Needs of humanity have been researched and philosophized since man was created and man has since the fall in the Garden, rebelled against God’s view of man’s needs. He has tried to define life apart from God. For further study see, "The God Who Is There," and "How Should We Then Live?" by Francis Schaeffer.

Introduction – Forgiveness Principle 5A

Confession is not necessary to maintain the soul's salvation. Eternal Security means a salvation no work can erase because no human work accomplished it! Ephesians 2:8-9-10.

After salvation the soul begins a relationship with the Spirit of God referred to in scripture as a "walk." That relationship can be affected by deeds and thoughts. Fellowship is a word we use to describe that relationship we have with God. Sin breaks that relationship and causes the Spirit of God to bring us into conviction– a distress of soul that reminds us we have offended our Father in heaven. To be restored, and thus not loose reward and earthly favor of God, the believer enters a process called "sanctification" that is maintained only through "confession" of sins committed after salvation of the soul. We will now study what this means.

There are, to start, at least two major concepts concerning forgiveness:

1. The Beatitudes. Attitude required for Confession. This is found in Christ's Sermon on the Mount in a passage commonly referred to as "The Beatitudes." These are "Attitudes Which Ought to Be." We will look at them in detail to fully understand their part in showing us sin in our life. See Matthew 11:28-30 for Jesus statement of this need.

Being "gentle and lowly in heart" is the essence of the beatitudes needed for Confession, thus Sanctification. Finding "rest" is removing guilt in the human spirit which has been caused by sin not confessed and forsaken.

2. The Doctrine of Confession. The Process of Sanctification. This presupposes God's Conviction which is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is done through 6 steps we call the Doctrine of Confession. Elements 1-3 are Our Responsibilities; elements 4-6 are actions God takes in response which are simply part of our "Believing" Responsibility:

1. Confession 2. Forsaking 3. Believing

4. Forgiveness 5. Cleansing 6. Blessing