# How to Confess According to Ellen White Ellen White taught that confession should be directed appropriately based on the nature of the sin. She wrote clearly: If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only mediator between God and man" (GCDB February 26, 1897, par. 3). For sins that have wronged others, she counseled: "If you have wronged your neighbor, acknowledge to him your sin and show fruit of the same by making restitution" (
5T 649.1). ## The Principle of Appropriate Confession Ellen White emphasized that we should not confess private sins to other people unless specifically directed by God's Spirit. She stated: Unless you are wrought upon by the Spirit of God in a special manner to confess your sins of a private nature to man, do not breathe them to any soul" (GCDB February 26, 1897, par. 3). She warned against the idea that confession to humans earns God's favor, writing: "I hope that none will obtain the idea that they are earning the favor of God by confession of sins or that there is special virtue in confessing to human beings" (
5T 649.1).
The key distinction is between private sins and public or interpersonal sins. For private matters between you and God, she directed: "Confess your secret sins alone before your God" (
5T 649.1). However, for sins that affect the church community, such as withholding tithes and offerings, she advised: confess your guilt to God and to the church" (GCDB February 26, 1897, par. 3). ## Coming to God with Sincerity Ellen White emphasized the importance of genuine repentance when confessing to God. She encouraged believers to "come to God just as you are, and let Him heal all your infirmities" (
5T 649.1). The confession should be thorough and sincere: "Press your case to the throne of grace; let the work be thorough. Be sincere in dealing with God and your own soul. If you come to Him with a heart truly contrite, He will give you the victory" (
5T 649.1).
She reminded us that Christ alone can absolve us from sin: "Your fellow men cannot absolve you from sin or cleanse you from iniquity. Jesus is the only one who can give you peace" (
5T 649.1). The Lord desires daily communion with us regarding our struggles: "The Lord would have us come to Him daily with all our troubles and confessions of sin, and He can give us rest in wearing His yoke and bearing His burden" (
5T 649.1). ## The Process of True Confession When people confess their sins with genuine repentance, transformation follows. Ellen White described how those who have educated themselves in skepticismmust recognize "it to be their personal duty to confess their unbelief" (
FW 17). True confession involves opening our hearts to accept God's light and throwing ourselves "by faith over the line from sin to righteousness, from doubt to faith" (
FW 17).
The goal is not merely to acknowledge wrongdoing but to experience God's transforming power. She wrote that the love of Christ will subdue the carnal propensitiesand that God's Holy Spirit "will fill the soul, and every thought will be brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ" (
5T 649.1). This is the fruit of genuine confession—a changed life that brings glory to God. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:**
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