Thanks for the comments and questions. Not sure I can answer all your questions here… but here’s a quick go at it.

First, the forgiveness of our sin is grounded entirely on the finished work of Christ. Even that persistent unconfessed sin that Christian’s leave “dangling out there” has already been dealt with decisively by Christ. We are forgiven of sins we know all too well, and sins we have no idea we’ve committed. So, we’re not saved or forgiven by our confession of sin – we’re saved by Christ – and I believe that is an important consideration for every Christian.

Second, repentance and confession of sin is necessary. We know repentance is necessary for salvation (see Acts 2:38). One can’t place their faith in Christ for the forgiveness of sins unless they first acknowledge their sin and turn from it. Also, repentance is a necessary part of the daily lives of believers. Each day we remain in these bodies on this earth we sin. So, as Martin Luther famously said, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” If I understand Luther correctly he is saying (or at least alluding to the fact) that our daily repentance is part of the fruit of our salvation in Christ.

Finally, as far as the specific workings and mechanisms of the repentance and confession process? Well, I would say our Catholic friends have it wrong. Christ alone is our priest and intercessor before God. And as such it is perhaps best to remember the simple confession he taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts” (Mt. 6:10). Whether that is done privately or corporately does not matter so much, as long as it is done.

While acknowledging the necessity of private prayer and confession, we also follow the pattern of a corporate confession of sin that has roots, not only in the great old Reformed liturgies, but also in the Bible itself (see Ezra 10:1ff; consider also the many confessions of sin within the Psalms, the covenant community’s hymn-book for centuries).

What exactly do I do with that sin, and what are the workings and mechanisms of the confession process? Do our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ have it right by telling or confessing their sins to a priest of God? Or do some of the non-denominationals hit the mark through a public confession in front of the congregation? Is our personal recognition and corporate confession each Sunday a true expression of all our failings?

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Titus 3:9)

Instead of fighting and dividing over 24 hour, day-age, framework and more; let’s stand united in the culture’s eye around this view.