True Confessions
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5.16
Two words in the Greek New Testament translate as “confess.” A simple confession (homologéō) indicates an agreement with someone – to be of one accord. Homologéō – is a compound word formed by using homo which indicates things that are the same, and, logéō which is a verb meaning “to say.” John uses it when he gives instructions concerning the believer’s walk with Christ as we are to “confess our sins.” Confession means that we agree with God concerning our sins. Having done that, the obstacles which form a rift in our fellowship with God are “forgiven” (aphíēmi – “forgive, dismiss”).
When the religious leaders interrogated John the Baptist concerning his identity, John answered: “And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.” (John 1.20) He “confessed” that he was not the Christ.
The other word in the Greek New Testament is an intensified version of the first – exomologéō. By removing the prefix, ex, we notice that the rest of the word is identical to the first. When added to exomologéō, ex indicates an “out loud” profession of agreement. Paul declares, in the Book of Romans, that every knee will one day bow and every tongue will confess (exomologéō) that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God. (Romans 14.11) A silent assent to the truth will not do. This confession will be out loud so all can hear.
So then, what are we to confess to each other? James says that we are to confess our faults (paráptōma – “a false step, a blunder, a misdeed”). These faults are considered to be offenses committed against fellow believers. They are not to be considered as heinous sins but offenses which can cause a break in fellowship. While James does not mention the Matthew 18.15-20 passage, it would apply here. A silent confession – or one that is made through secret prayer – does nothing to restore a broken fellowship. Confession between two fellow believers must conclude with agreement between the two parties of wrongs having been committed. Since this “side-slippage” has caused a derailment, open confession is necessary to both heal the rift between the two and also to restore those on the sidelines to a place of mutual harmony.
Paráptōma may also refer to personal trespasses which must be distinguished from transgressions (parabaínō). Transgressions are those willful acts of stepping over into forbidden areas – seeing the “No Trespassing” sign and entering through rebellion against the law. The word “faults” indicates trespassing, but not necessarily an intentional act. Even so, the “fault” may lead to broken fellowship and must be properly handled.
Prayer is then offered mutually between the two restored believers. This prayer should be for damaged emotions as well as for future victory over the besetting ills that caused the original rift. It should include restitution, as much as possible. Unless the two believers settle things biblically, a spirit of division will rule in their hearts and will negatively affect the church. The prayer of faith will heal the sickly situation and the body of Christ will prosper.
The “righteous man” indicates someone who is rightly aligned with an acknowledged standard. When this man prays, his prayer is effectual and fervent (energéō – “operative and effective”). Too often people pray without having their relationships in order. Peter suggests that many prayers are hindered in marriages because the husband and wife are at odds with each other. (I Peter 3.7) Even so, many local churches lack spiritual fervor because of discordant relationships between members.
In order to enjoy a righteous life, we must be in a right relationship with both God and our fellow believers. Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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