What confession of sin is NOT:

1. Informing a human priest in the confession booth.

2. Giving God information. “God, You won’t believe what I’ve done.”

3. Speculating. “IF…I have sinned…”

4. Saying “I’m sorry…” “….just a joke!”

5. Asking/pleading to God for forgiveness for our sins. Forgiveness already available in Christ’s death.

6. Plea-bargaining for a lesser charge. “Yes…but….”

7. Emotional groveling; mental contortions.

8. Psychological catharsis. “Feel good when you get it off your chest”

9. Superficial or flippant incantation. (Sin was reason for Jesus’ death).

10. “Confessionalism” – (Excessive sin-consciousness; wallowing in weakness; focusing on ‘flesh’; navel-gazing introspection; “Worm-theology”; Pride of sinfulness; back-handed basis of spirituality; exhibitionism; revel in relating sinfulness in testimony; Who was the worst?).

11. Based on false established attitudes which create false-guilt and false-confession. Some try to agree with God that something is wrong, when God never said it is sin. But, if not done in faith, it is sin. (Rom. 14:23).