True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty. {FLB 128.3}
Many, many confessions should never be spoken in the hearing of mortals; for the result is that which the limited judgment of finite beings does not anticipate. . . . God will be better glorified if we confess the secret, inbred corruption of the heart to Jesus alone than if we open its recesses to finite, erring man, who cannot judge righteously unless his heart is constantly imbued with the Spirit of God. . . . Do not pour into human ears the story which God alone should hear. {FLB 128.4}
The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity. {FLB 128.5}
Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart, and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive, and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. . . . Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ. Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for His righteousness.
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{FLB 128.6}
Public sins to be confessed in public as we see the public abuse of TS and DS, and some personal to God only. In their case it did not happen as the victims must bring to court their abuse. So it seems the Rafferty's should have hid theirs with Jesus only....in my opinion. It did not give me a good feeling afterward. I would rather have not heard their personal story. It is appalling enough that 3abn came into public sins because of their deceit in character of using public pew funds to carry on their lifestyles. It is true, I never look for the bad in people until they divuldge their own personal sludge in intentional sin and unintentional & whether one can discern their choice of close relationalships with them. It is important to discern for the benefit of held offices in the church. If not you get what you get and the leader can bring down a church.
