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Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation
An evangelical classic for a new generation of Christian readers
Back in print for the first time in many years, John Stott's classic treatise on confession discusses a neglected Christian practice. Though the Bible clearly teaches that confession is a necessary part of the redemption story, many Christians are uncertain how and to whom they should confess their sins. Stott offers vital answers in Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation.
After presenting the necessity of confession, Stott distinguishes between three types of confession—in secret to God, in private to a person whom our sin has injured, and in public in the presence of a Christian congregation. He shows how this threefold distinction is biblically grounded, and he critically examines the practice of confessing to a priest. Offering assurance of forgiveness to Christians, this little book opens the door to fruitful conversation about the practice of confession.
Back in print for the first time in many years, John Stott's classic treatise on confession discusses a neglected Christian practice. Though the Bible clearly teaches that confession is a necessary part of the redemption story, many Christians are uncertain how and to whom they should confess their sins. Stott offers vital answers in Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation.
After presenting the necessity of confession, Stott distinguishes between three types of confession—in secret to God, in private to a person whom our sin has injured, and in public in the presence of a Christian congregation. He shows how this threefold distinction is biblically grounded, and he critically examines the practice of confessing to a priest. Offering assurance of forgiveness to Christians, this little book opens the door to fruitful conversation about the practice of confession.
116 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 1974
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170 people want to read
About the author
John R.W. Stott
305 books555 followersJohn R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 19, 2018
Like all of his books, solid.
May 4, 2020
Stott gives a good overview of biblical confession before turning to Catholic and anglo-catholic arguments for the necessity of confession to a priest, highlighting the problems with such a practice.
August 26, 2017
Stott begins Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation with the statement that sin-confession-forgiveness are an inseparable trio (p. 9). That statement couldn’t help but remind me of the trio we speak of in terms of game design: money, scope, and time. Change any corner of either triangle and you change the other two. Just as adding scope to a project increases the time and money necessary to finish it, so does sin increase the need for confession and forgiveness (although forgiveness does not, in this case, increase the need for sin). However, Stott goes on to say that there are three different types of confession related to three different types of sin: secret confession for those secret sins known to God and individual alone, private confession for those where individuals or very small groups are affected by the sin, and public confession when the sin has been overt (p. 12).
In speaking of the necessity of confession, Stott points to a contrast in the use of the Hebrew verb, “to cover,” in Psalm 32. When God covers one’s sin, one is blessed; when one covers up one’s sin, one precludes God’s intended provision. Assuming the Davidic authorship of Psalm 32, Stott writes: “As soon as David uncovered his sins, God covered them, for God can only cover with His forgiveness the sins which we uncover in our confession.” (p. 19) But Stott moves on to note that sins toward God need to be confessed to God, but sins against others need to be confessed to those who are wronged. While we confess to God, for example, the adultery in our hearts, we don’t confess that toward the other person because we haven’t yet wronged them (p. 27). (If we had made a flirtatious pass at that other party, though, we should confess to them.) And with regard to confessing to the wronged party or parties, note that while God is ready to blot out fully our sins against God, “…in some sins against men, we can make restitution, and when we can, we must.” (p. 29)
There is an interesting emphasis in this section on telling people, in private, that they have hurt you. Stott cites the admonition in Matthew 18:5 where if anyone has hurt you, you are to go tell that person and that person alone. The goal is not to humiliate the person publicly, but to gain the person’s reconciliation (pp. 33-34). In Matthew 7:1-5, the teaching is not that we aren’t to help people remove the “specks” in their eyes, but not to be hypocritical about it (ie. Pretending there is nothing wrong with us) (p. 34). There is a similar admonition in Luke 17:3 where, when we are wronged, we are to rebuke another, but if the other repents, we are to forgive (p. 35). This is a much-neglected responsibility.
Most surprising for an Anglican clergyman were his arguments about “auricular confession,” that ministry tradition where one needs to confess to a clergy man to obtain absolution. Stott feels that this type of confession should only be undertaken on rare occasions and with special precautions (p. 78). Why? Because hearing confessions puts the priest (as he quotes Bishop Ryle) in a position “…it is not safe for any child of Adam to occupy.” (p. 54) But Stott believes the primary ministry of the clergy in loosening and binding is preaching the remission of sins through confession to Jesus Christ directly (p. 58). After all, the “remission of sins” the disciples were allowed to provide in Luke’s gospel was clearly part of their preaching ministry (p. 61). Stott asserts, “…it was not an authority to forgive, but to preach forgiveness, …” (p. 62). The authority to forgive is not properly found in priest or minister, but in Jesus Christ alone (p. 67) with those human functionaries given the responsibility to preach of that forgiveness.
Stott rejects the expedient argument that confession to human ministers works because: a) penance is intended to humble the sinner and help the sinner see the awful sinfulness of her/his sins; b) absolution (pronouncing the sins forgiven) is necessary for the sinner’s assurance of forgiveness; and c) advice is intended to move the sinner toward right living. Stott properly observes: “I rather doubt if faith in the confessional to bring deep conviction of sin in the presence of God can co-exist with a strong faith in the Holy Spirit.” (p. 72)
Despite Stott’s objection to “auricular confession” to a clergyman, he concludes that modern believers do not take confession seriously enough. If we don’t take time to confess to God, that is likely to be evidence that we cannot see the gravity of sin. He also stresses that if one is to take confession and the awareness of sin seriously, one must also take the reality of forgiveness seriously, both in receiving it and providing it for others (pp. 84-85).
Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation doesn't really break any new ground, but may be a useful read for some believers.
In speaking of the necessity of confession, Stott points to a contrast in the use of the Hebrew verb, “to cover,” in Psalm 32. When God covers one’s sin, one is blessed; when one covers up one’s sin, one precludes God’s intended provision. Assuming the Davidic authorship of Psalm 32, Stott writes: “As soon as David uncovered his sins, God covered them, for God can only cover with His forgiveness the sins which we uncover in our confession.” (p. 19) But Stott moves on to note that sins toward God need to be confessed to God, but sins against others need to be confessed to those who are wronged. While we confess to God, for example, the adultery in our hearts, we don’t confess that toward the other person because we haven’t yet wronged them (p. 27). (If we had made a flirtatious pass at that other party, though, we should confess to them.) And with regard to confessing to the wronged party or parties, note that while God is ready to blot out fully our sins against God, “…in some sins against men, we can make restitution, and when we can, we must.” (p. 29)
There is an interesting emphasis in this section on telling people, in private, that they have hurt you. Stott cites the admonition in Matthew 18:5 where if anyone has hurt you, you are to go tell that person and that person alone. The goal is not to humiliate the person publicly, but to gain the person’s reconciliation (pp. 33-34). In Matthew 7:1-5, the teaching is not that we aren’t to help people remove the “specks” in their eyes, but not to be hypocritical about it (ie. Pretending there is nothing wrong with us) (p. 34). There is a similar admonition in Luke 17:3 where, when we are wronged, we are to rebuke another, but if the other repents, we are to forgive (p. 35). This is a much-neglected responsibility.
Most surprising for an Anglican clergyman were his arguments about “auricular confession,” that ministry tradition where one needs to confess to a clergy man to obtain absolution. Stott feels that this type of confession should only be undertaken on rare occasions and with special precautions (p. 78). Why? Because hearing confessions puts the priest (as he quotes Bishop Ryle) in a position “…it is not safe for any child of Adam to occupy.” (p. 54) But Stott believes the primary ministry of the clergy in loosening and binding is preaching the remission of sins through confession to Jesus Christ directly (p. 58). After all, the “remission of sins” the disciples were allowed to provide in Luke’s gospel was clearly part of their preaching ministry (p. 61). Stott asserts, “…it was not an authority to forgive, but to preach forgiveness, …” (p. 62). The authority to forgive is not properly found in priest or minister, but in Jesus Christ alone (p. 67) with those human functionaries given the responsibility to preach of that forgiveness.
Stott rejects the expedient argument that confession to human ministers works because: a) penance is intended to humble the sinner and help the sinner see the awful sinfulness of her/his sins; b) absolution (pronouncing the sins forgiven) is necessary for the sinner’s assurance of forgiveness; and c) advice is intended to move the sinner toward right living. Stott properly observes: “I rather doubt if faith in the confessional to bring deep conviction of sin in the presence of God can co-exist with a strong faith in the Holy Spirit.” (p. 72)
Despite Stott’s objection to “auricular confession” to a clergyman, he concludes that modern believers do not take confession seriously enough. If we don’t take time to confess to God, that is likely to be evidence that we cannot see the gravity of sin. He also stresses that if one is to take confession and the awareness of sin seriously, one must also take the reality of forgiveness seriously, both in receiving it and providing it for others (pp. 84-85).
Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation doesn't really break any new ground, but may be a useful read for some believers.
July 12, 2017
John Stott’s Confess Your Sins is a little gem of a book. Originally published in 1964, it has been reissued by Eerdmans. As far as I can tell, the only change to the original is that Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, come from the NIV (2011).
All Christians agree on three truths, which Stott names at the outset of the book: “the fact and guilt of sin, the possibility of forgiveness, and the need for confession” (emphasis in original). These three truths come together in 1 John 1:8–9:
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
“So,” as Stott puts it, “the forgiveness of sins by God is made conditional upon the confession of sins by man.”
The crucial question that his book addresses — the question that divides Protestants from Catholics — is to whom we must confess. Over the course of five chapters, Stott argues that “confession must be made to the person against whom we have sinned and from whom we need and desire to receive forgiveness” (emphasis in original). Drawing on Scripture, Stott identifies three types of confession: “secret confession” to God, “private confession” to a person whom we have offended, and “public confession” when we have sinned against “a group of people, a community, or the whole local congregation.”
Stott further argues that “auricular confession,” i.e., the confession of sins to a priest, “is a practice to be deplored.” That’s a strong term, but Stott’s argument is both theological and practical in nature. “Confession is never to a third party,” he writes, “both because he has not been offended, and because he is not in a position to forgive the sin.”
Throughout the book, Stott makes his primary appeal to Scripture in support of his argument. However, he also appeals to church history, especially the history and theology of the Church of England. These appeals to church history — which include an appendix of several official Anglican statements on confession — may limit the appeal of the book to some readers.
On the other hand, given that 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, these appeals to the writings of English Reformers remind us of the evangelical character of the Church of England. That church produced George Whitefield and John Wesley, two evangelists whose ministries shaped — and continue to shape — evangelical Christianity throughout the world today, including global Pentecostalism. Perhaps we should learn from those who have gone before us in the faith, rather than eschewing history as irrelevant to contemporary concerns.
Stott concludes this book with twin appeals to take both confession and forgiveness of sin more seriously. “Christianity is a religion of forgiveness,” he writes. “God is willing to forgive sinners through Christ. We must forgive one another.” Our obligation to do so flows from the gospel itself. As Scripture says, “[forgive] each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Book Reviewed:
John Stott, Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2017; orig. 1964).
P.S. This review was written for InfluenceMagazine.com and appears here by permission.
P.P.S. If you found this review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review.
All Christians agree on three truths, which Stott names at the outset of the book: “the fact and guilt of sin, the possibility of forgiveness, and the need for confession” (emphasis in original). These three truths come together in 1 John 1:8–9:
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
“So,” as Stott puts it, “the forgiveness of sins by God is made conditional upon the confession of sins by man.”
The crucial question that his book addresses — the question that divides Protestants from Catholics — is to whom we must confess. Over the course of five chapters, Stott argues that “confession must be made to the person against whom we have sinned and from whom we need and desire to receive forgiveness” (emphasis in original). Drawing on Scripture, Stott identifies three types of confession: “secret confession” to God, “private confession” to a person whom we have offended, and “public confession” when we have sinned against “a group of people, a community, or the whole local congregation.”
Stott further argues that “auricular confession,” i.e., the confession of sins to a priest, “is a practice to be deplored.” That’s a strong term, but Stott’s argument is both theological and practical in nature. “Confession is never to a third party,” he writes, “both because he has not been offended, and because he is not in a position to forgive the sin.”
Throughout the book, Stott makes his primary appeal to Scripture in support of his argument. However, he also appeals to church history, especially the history and theology of the Church of England. These appeals to church history — which include an appendix of several official Anglican statements on confession — may limit the appeal of the book to some readers.
On the other hand, given that 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, these appeals to the writings of English Reformers remind us of the evangelical character of the Church of England. That church produced George Whitefield and John Wesley, two evangelists whose ministries shaped — and continue to shape — evangelical Christianity throughout the world today, including global Pentecostalism. Perhaps we should learn from those who have gone before us in the faith, rather than eschewing history as irrelevant to contemporary concerns.
Stott concludes this book with twin appeals to take both confession and forgiveness of sin more seriously. “Christianity is a religion of forgiveness,” he writes. “God is willing to forgive sinners through Christ. We must forgive one another.” Our obligation to do so flows from the gospel itself. As Scripture says, “[forgive] each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Book Reviewed:
John Stott, Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2017; orig. 1964).
P.S. This review was written for InfluenceMagazine.com and appears here by permission.
P.P.S. If you found this review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review.
October 13, 2018
This is a helpful brief (92 pp) study of the topic of confession of sin. Written by Stott for an Anglican audience--though as a Presbyterian I got a lot from it too.
Chapter 1 is on confessing our sins privately to God. Chapter 2 is on private confession to an individual we have wronged. Chapter 3 is on public confession, Matthew 18 and church discipline. Then chapters 4 and 5 take up the question of confession to a priest (Stott, though Anglican, did not support this practice).
There is a lot of good instruction, particularly in chapters 1-3 on confession of sin, repentance, reconciliation with others. As a Presbyterian, I don't have a lot to say on his critique of auricular confession. It's not a topic I have ever looked that much into. Some of his points seem to make sense to me.
I think though that the shadow of that topic covers the entire book. Stott was an evangelical within Anglicanism and he did not support Anglo-Catholic practices of auricular confession. It led him to see practices related to confession in a certain light. So for instance, he didn't see much value in confessing your sins to another person at all, unless you have sinned against that person or it is an exceptional situation.
I, even as a Presbyterian, think that is going too far. We need the accountability at times, we need the encouragement, we need to share our struggles with other people, that's just part of what the church is and does, it is part of "bearing one another's burdens." I think he missed that facet because he saw the Anglo-Catholic tradition a little too much in such confession practices.
That criticism aside, there is a lot of good in this little book. Worth a look if you can find it.
Chapter 1 is on confessing our sins privately to God. Chapter 2 is on private confession to an individual we have wronged. Chapter 3 is on public confession, Matthew 18 and church discipline. Then chapters 4 and 5 take up the question of confession to a priest (Stott, though Anglican, did not support this practice).
There is a lot of good instruction, particularly in chapters 1-3 on confession of sin, repentance, reconciliation with others. As a Presbyterian, I don't have a lot to say on his critique of auricular confession. It's not a topic I have ever looked that much into. Some of his points seem to make sense to me.
I think though that the shadow of that topic covers the entire book. Stott was an evangelical within Anglicanism and he did not support Anglo-Catholic practices of auricular confession. It led him to see practices related to confession in a certain light. So for instance, he didn't see much value in confessing your sins to another person at all, unless you have sinned against that person or it is an exceptional situation.
I, even as a Presbyterian, think that is going too far. We need the accountability at times, we need the encouragement, we need to share our struggles with other people, that's just part of what the church is and does, it is part of "bearing one another's burdens." I think he missed that facet because he saw the Anglo-Catholic tradition a little too much in such confession practices.
That criticism aside, there is a lot of good in this little book. Worth a look if you can find it.
August 19, 2023
From the advertisement:
"Back in print for the first time in many years, John Stott's classic treatise on confession discusses a neglected Christian practice. Though the Bible clearly teaches that confession is a necessary part of the redemption story, many Christians are uncertain how and to whom they should confess their sins. Stott offers vital answers in Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation.
After presenting the necessity of confession, Stott distinguishes between three types of confession—in secret to God, in private to a person whom our sin has injured, and in public in the presence of a Christian congregation. He shows how this threefold distinction is biblically grounded, and he critically examines the practice of confessing to a priest. Offering assurance of forgiveness to Christians, this little book opens the door to fruitful conversation about the practice of confession."
I like the way Stott writes as well as his Biblical perspective.
This is a good resource to come back to and review
"Back in print for the first time in many years, John Stott's classic treatise on confession discusses a neglected Christian practice. Though the Bible clearly teaches that confession is a necessary part of the redemption story, many Christians are uncertain how and to whom they should confess their sins. Stott offers vital answers in Confess Your Sins: The Way of Reconciliation.
After presenting the necessity of confession, Stott distinguishes between three types of confession—in secret to God, in private to a person whom our sin has injured, and in public in the presence of a Christian congregation. He shows how this threefold distinction is biblically grounded, and he critically examines the practice of confessing to a priest. Offering assurance of forgiveness to Christians, this little book opens the door to fruitful conversation about the practice of confession."
I like the way Stott writes as well as his Biblical perspective.
This is a good resource to come back to and review
February 9, 2022
Confession of sins is good for the soul if properly done.
Confession of sins if properly done bestow grace to the offender. The author insists (and I agree) that secret sins must be confessed to God and God alone. Very clear and liberating truths from a man who followed Christ for so long.
Confession of sins if properly done bestow grace to the offender. The author insists (and I agree) that secret sins must be confessed to God and God alone. Very clear and liberating truths from a man who followed Christ for so long.
August 24, 2018
clearest and much needed biblical discussion about confession
Liked the clarity of historical context and biblical reference.
Admits the weakness of current Protestant practice but also condemns the Roman Catholic errors in Penance.
Liked the clarity of historical context and biblical reference.
Admits the weakness of current Protestant practice but also condemns the Roman Catholic errors in Penance.
March 22, 2019
This book is a short, yet thoughtful look at confession, sin, repentance, and forgiveness. As I've been reading and studying on forgiveness this past month, I've found this book the most singularly helpful.
January 31, 2020
An exceptional and accessible survey of biblical confession -- I highly recommend it.
June 3, 2020
Excelente material sobre la confesion
Es un breve, puntual y excelente material sobre la confesión de pecados y como ha sido mal interpretada atraves del tiempo.
Es un breve, puntual y excelente material sobre la confesión de pecados y como ha sido mal interpretada atraves del tiempo.
February 15, 2021
Found this book to be super repetitive
July 27, 2022
Stott always delivers.
July 5, 2024
Wonderful book!
January 21, 2026
Extremely practical and rich with the gospel.
February 17, 2024
A wonderful, short theological outline on the purpose and practice of confession. It is written in response to the question “Should Christians practice auricular confession (receiving absolution from our sins by confessing them to a priest)?” In exploring the biblical teaching, Scott helps us understand the power of confession, and when it should be practised privately or publicly. He takes us back to the basics of salvation and how the cross and resurrection allows us to come directly to God, and explores the role of the wider community of believers when it comes to forgiveness and repentance. In answering this one question, the themes and foundational teachings in this book remind us of the wonder and the weight of living a sanctified life.
July 7, 2023
With a solid [academic] narration, this book explores the Biblical foundations for confession and how it evolved into what we see today. The primary emphasis is within the Protestant Reformation (specifically the Anglican tradition) and how it contrasts with the Sacrament of Reconciliation within the Catholic tradition. In particular, he takes exception with the idea that auricular confession to a priest should be common/routine and the function of the priest (rejecting the idea that the priest is functioning en persona christi). What was surprising to me was the call to restore "private" confession to the individual against whom the trespass/sin was committed ...
I was given this free review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#ConfessYourSins #AudibookFree
I was given this free review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#ConfessYourSins #AudibookFree
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews