Solomon wrote long ago, "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13) And the New Testament says, "Confess your trespasses to one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16)

But among many Christians today, neither of these teachings is widely believed (lack of practice suggests this is so). There is little confession of sin. In many places, concealing sin appears to be more the norm. And such concealment is often accompanied by anger whenever someone inquires about a person's spiritual condition.

In the place of confession, several substitutes have been devised:

1. Time. Allowing the passage of enough time to enable the brethren to forget.
   
   
2. Good works. Trying to balance our sins with good deeds.
   
   
3. Re-baptism.
   
   
4. Violent verbal charges against brethren who call attention to our sins.
   
   
5. Asking for the prayers of the church, without confessing our sins.
   
   
6. Making a general statement about weakness, while trying to obscure or hide the need to confess sin.
   
   
7. Telling the preacher we've sinned, but swearing him to silence, even if our sin has affected other brethren.

But none of these substitutes achieves the result that God's way accomplishes. Covering sins doesn't enable us to prosper spiritually or receive God's mercy. And, hiding our sins from our brethren denies us the powerful prayers of righteous people.

God's word is very clear on the subject of forgiveness. Remember the story of Simon the sorcerer? "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him, your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity. Then Simon answered and said, Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me." (Acts 8:19-24)

When he confessed his sin and prayed to God for forgiveness, Simon was forgiven for attempting to purchase the gift of the Holy Spirit. The same procedure is still effective. The one who is guilty of sin must repent and pray for forgiveness. Before repenting, the sinner must acknowledge that he has committed the sin(s). Sometimes, people have difficulty with this step. Brother Blackaby is correct: acknowledge the wrong, repent, and pray-this is God's way to receive forgiveness. (KMG)