The Importance of Confession Part II

For part 2 of this post let's look at the book of Acts chapter 5 verses 1 through 11. In this section of scripture the members of the church were gladly giving their excess goods to those who didn't have enough.

1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 

The saints were giving these goods to the Apostles so that they could redistribute them to those who had the greatest need. They were doing so out of the sincere love in their hearts. Ananias and Sapphira were operating in the spirit of pride. They were giving, but doing so for the selfish reason of establishing a reputation within the church. Their actions had nothing to do with looking out for the welfare of their brothers and sisters.

3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

The problem which God had with this couple is that they were operating out of the pride which was buried deeply in their hearts. They had no real desire to serve God or to repent of their sinful attitudes. This spirit could not be allowed to operate within the church. Their first lie was to God because they didn't consider the vileness of their action in his sight. They overlooked the God who provided the very riches that they owned.

I have seen many saints operate in a spirit of self righteousness. This spirit does not seek the welfare of others, but it seeks to justify the flesh by belittling others to make them to feel as though they are less.

7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.10Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

Notice that in both incidences God gave them a chance to come clean before judgment fell, yet they refused. This is the same opportunity which he allows us.

Since they would not acknowledge their own sin God had to be the judge. Sin can't go unpunished and it is best that we deal with our own issues before God has to get involved. You and I need to come into agreement with God and understand that our hearts are wicked. We are saved by the blood of Jesus and the grace of God. We would all be lost throughout eternity if our God had not decided to make the way of salvation available to us through his sacrifice on the cross.