How can we apply the principle of confession from Leviticus 16:21 today? The Day of Atonement Snapshot Leviticus 16:21: “He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites—all their sins—and he is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task.” Key Observations • Hands placed on the goat: public identification with sin • Verbal confession: naming “all the iniquities and transgressions” • Transfer and removal: sin symbolically carried away New Testament Continuity • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • James 5:16: “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” • Hebrews 10:19-22 connects confession to bold access into the Holiest through Christ. Practical Steps for Believers Today 1. Honest Self-Examination – Invite the Spirit’s search (Psalm 139:23-24) before rushing into words. 2. Specific, Spoken Confession to God – Name sins plainly; avoid vague generalities. 3. Incorporate Trusted Accountability – Share with a mature believer when appropriate (James 5:16). 4. Rest in Christ’s Completed Atonement – Believe the sin is “sent away” (Psalm 103:12) because the Lamb has borne it (John 1:29). 5. Make Restitution Where Needed – If confession involves harm to others, seek to set things right (Luke 19:8). 6. Regular Rhythm, Not Rare Event – Build confession into daily prayer or weekly gatherings instead of waiting for crisis moments. Practical Tools • Journaling: write the sin, then write the promise of forgiveness beside it. • Liturgical confession or written prayers: helpful starting points, but personalize with specific details. • Accountability partner or small group: agree on confidentiality and mutual encouragement. Benefits of Continual Confession • Cleansed conscience (Hebrews 9:14) • Restored fellowship with God and others (1 John 1:7) • Freedom from hidden guilt (Psalm 32:5) • Renewed joy and witness (Psalm 51:12-13) Walking in the Light Confession moves sin from darkness into light, where Christ’s blood keeps on cleansing. Practice it quickly, specifically, and trustingly, and experience the same freeing principle first pictured on the Day of Atonement. |
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