Transparency in church: A Biblical call for confession

The concept of confession isn’t new. In ancient times, sins were openly confessed within the community – as we read in the Law of Moses.

Leviticus 1:4 described how ancient saints pressed their hands onto the head of the sacrificial animal when it was to be offered for their sin. If we compare that with Leviticus 16:21 when the high priest confessed sins as he pressed his hands onto the animal, it is reasonable to assume that this act of confession was included in all such sacrifices.

Numbers 5:5-7 says: ‘And the Lord said to Moses, say to the Israelites: ‘Any man or woman who wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the LORD is guilty and must confess the sin they have committed… .’