Repentance and Confession

I would like to explain how the Orthodox Church understands confession and repentance. These may seem unfamiliar, but they are part of the life of every Christian who seeks to follow Christ faithfully.

Repentance is turning back to God. The word “repent” in the Bible means a change of heart and mind. Jesus began His preaching with these words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Repentance is not about feeling hopeless, but about turning away from sin and back toward God, who is ready to forgive.

Confession is commanded in Scripture. The Apostle John writes: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Saint James says, “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Confession is therefore not a man-made tradition, but something rooted in the Bible.

Confession is done before Christ, in the presence of a priest. In Orthodoxy, when we confess, we are confessing to Christ Himself. The priest is only a witness, standing as the servant of the Church, to hear and to pronounce the assurance of forgiveness. Jesus gave His Apostles the authority when He said: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:23). Through confession, Christ continues to work through His Church to heal our hearts. Confession was not only private prayer—it was done before the Church’s leaders. “And many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.” (Acts 19:18) “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders (presbyters, priests) of the church, and let them pray over him...” (James 5:14). While we can and should confess our sins directly to God in private prayer (1 John 1:9), confession before a priest brings the assurance of Christ’s words spoken through the Church: “Your sins are forgiven.” This is not the priest’s personal power, but the gift of Christ working through His Church.

Repentance brings renewal. King David, after his sin, prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). This is the same prayer of every Christian who seeks forgiveness. Repentance does not leave us in shame, but restores us to joy and peace with God.

Confession is part of our growth in holiness. Saint Paul wrote: “Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret” (2 Corinthians 7:10). By confessing and repenting, we open ourselves to God’s grace, which strengthens us to fight against sin and to grow more like Christ.

Confession and repentance are gifts from God, not burdens. They are the way we find healing, forgiveness, and renewal in our walk with Christ.

With love in Christ,
Fr. Charles

Next Letter: Why Pray for the Departed?