Confession Precedes Freedom
by Mike Killebrew
I have always enjoyed the quote from William Wallace (played by Mel Gibson) just before a major battle scene in the 1995 movie Braveheart. He shouts from atop a horse, “… tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!” There are many quotes with the word "freedom" that conjure powerful emotions. That word is formidable on its own, yet it simultaneously carries subjectivity, as it’s used in a wide variety of contexts. There is political and religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom from debt, and a host of other ways we can use that word. Some people see freedom as from something—not being subjected to external control or coercion. Others see freedom as for something—the ability to live as they see fit, without interference. Regardless of the context, the human experience is strongly driven by the desire for earthly freedoms.
Wallace’s battle cry stirs a longing for earthly freedom—a freedom from oppression and control. Yet, even more profound is the freedom Christ offers, a freedom not just from external forces but from the sin that binds us internally. While the world fights for freedom from physical chains, Christ breaks the spiritual chains that keep us from true peace.
As we’ve been exploring this month, the spiritual discipline of confession draws a direct link to this powerful word—freedom. It is impossible for me to hear the word "freedom" and not think of freedom in Christ. This phrase stirs passionate emotions deep within my soul. Throughout God’s Word, there are dozens of Scriptures that use the language of freedom. One of my favorites is John 8:32, where Jesus says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Then, in the same conversation, He speaks about sin in verse 36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” It is because of Christ that we can live free from our sin and live for a purpose.
The word "freedom" shifts its meaning depending on context. Political freedom might focus on governance and autonomy, while freedom from debt involves financial independence. But biblical freedom transcends these—offering release not just from earthly constraints but from the deeper bondage of sin that entangles our hearts.
While we all yearn for freedom, the reality of sin holds many of us captive. Even as believers, sin’s lingering pain can leave us trapped, robbing us of peace. We all struggle with sin. Each of us have hurts, habits, and hang-ups that we hold on to and bury for a variety of reasons. While we, as believers, are no longer under the penalty of sin, the pain of sin can remain and keep us in captivity. We may attempt to cope with our sins by burying them or pretending they don’t exist, but this only deepens the confinement. Sin isn’t something we can manage or cope with alone. We must reject faulty coping strategies and find the freedom offered in Christ through confession and repentance. God desires for us to experience freedom from both the power and the pain of sin. His plan for freedom includes confession, and with confession comes the benefits of healing mercy—both given and received—and more complete fellowship with others. Additionally, here are some thoughts that further flesh out the benefits of confession:
Confession Unlocks True Freedom: Reality is just as Jesus said: "the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Confessing our sins before God brings us out of the darkness and into the light, where His truth can heal and liberate us from the pain and power of sin.
Confession Releases the Burden of Guilt: Carrying unconfessed sin weighs heavily on the soul. Confession lightens that burden, offering peace of mind and a sense of relief as we release our struggles to God.
Confession Demonstrates Obedience to Scripture: The Bible calls us to confess our sins (1 John 1:9, James 5:16). Obedience in this area is an act of faith and trust in God's promises of forgiveness and restoration.
Confession Restores Fellowship with God and Others: Sin damages our relationship with God and can create division in our relationships with others. Confession and repentance pave the way for healing, restoring the closeness we desire.
Confession Encourages Accountability and Support: Sharing our struggles with trusted fellow believers fosters a sense of community, accountability, and support, which helps us stay on the path of righteousness.
Confession Opens the Door to God's Mercy and Healing: God promises that when we confess, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9). Through confession, we experience His grace, which brings not only forgiveness but also emotional and spiritual healing.
Like Wallace’s comrades standing on the edge of the battlefield, many of us stand on the edge of spiritual battles every day—battles with our own sin, guilt, and shame. But instead of charging forward on our own, confession allows Christ to lead the way to victory. In the end, freedom isn’t found in the absence of control or external constraints, nor in living solely by our own desires. True freedom comes from surrendering to Christ and allowing His grace to bring about healing through confession—surrendering our sins to Christ and allowing His grace to free us from guilt and shame. Through the practice of this discipline, we step into His truth and experience the fullness of life He promises.
So, as we face our own internal battles, let us remember to practice confession, remembering, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).
