The Grace of Confession, Part 8

Feb 4, 2026 • James Ramieri

02-04-2026 grace of confession part 8

The Grace of Confession (Part 8) - Introduction & Review

I. Introduction and The Protocol of Silence

The Topic: Continuation of the series "The Grace of Confession."

The Mandate for Preparation:

Scripture: 1 John 1:9

Quote: "If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Doctrinal Purpose: This ensures the Filling of the Spirit.

Indwelling vs. Filling: Every believer is permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. However, the filling of the Spirit is commanded and must be obtained/maintained because it can be lost through sin.

The Mechanism:

Loss of filling occurs through unconfessed sin.

God’s method for restoration to fellowship and the pre-designed plan of God is confession (naming known sin).

Because God is "faithful and just," restoration is guaranteed.

The Power System of the Believer:

1. The Filling of the Holy Spirit: Essential for teaching and metabolizing doctrine (the Spirit is the true teacher).

2. Bible Doctrine: The perception, metabolization, and application of the Word.

Mental Attitude for Study:

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 5:7 (Paraphrased)

Concept: Casting all cares upon Him, for He cares for us.

Silent Prayer: Moment of silence for confession of known sin.

Opening Prayer: Petition for truth, understanding, accuracy, authority, and grace.

II. Pastoral Remarks and Context

Welcome: Greeting to new attendees (Libby and Shea from Berkeley) and online listeners.

Series Context: Currently in the 8th week of the "Grace of Confession" series.

Future Roadmap (Next 2 Weeks):

A topical analysis of the Epistle of 1 John .

Addressing the controversy regarding whether 1 John is a test of fellowship or a test of salvation.

Note: The "Hyper-Grace" movement often views 1 John as a test of salvation and denies confession is for today. This study will refute that hermeneutic.

III. Personal Apologetic and Study Methodology

The Question Addressed: Do you study on your own, or do you simply repeat Pastor Bob’s teaching?

The Answer/Credentials:

Background: Not a novice. Studied heavily in the 1990s under Pastor R.B. Thieme Jr.

Current Study: Still studies more from Thieme than Pastor Bob. Has read all of Thieme’s books.

Primary Resource: The Biblical Studies Foundation (bible.org).

Producers of the NET Bible (New English Translation) .

Utilizes the 40,000 translator's notes for textual criticism and original language study.

Subject Mentioned: Textual Criticism (The science of determining the authenticity of original manuscripts amidst variations in copies).

Attribution: Pastor R.B. Thieme Jr. (Expert on textual criticism).

Attribution: Wes Huff (Current expert, featured on Joe Rogan podcast).

Dallas Theological Seminary Influence:

Attribution: J. Hampton Keatley and Bob Deffenbaugh .

The speaker’s theology was solidified in the 90s through these men.

Previous Series Taught (Validation of Experience):

Prayer.

Seven Laws of the Harvest (Sowing and Reaping).

Philippians verse-by-verse (Titled: "Earthly Conduct of Heavenly Citizens").

Self-Description: An "Autodidact" (self-taught).

God-given ability to learn complex subjects independently (e.g., mortgage banking, cardiology).

Raised in obscurity by God’s design.

Tool Recommendation:

Logos Bible App: The standard for Dallas Theological Seminary students.

Speaker possesses an online library of ~800 books for original language study.

IV. Review of Doctrine (From Previous Weeks)

The Basis of Provision:

Scripture: 1 John 1:9 (Re-referenced).

Analogy (Nature): Whenever God creates a species, He provides everything necessary to sustain and empower that species to function by design (e.g., food and water).

Application: Believers are a "New Creation" (new spiritual species). God has provided a specific power system for this species:

1. Filling of the Spirit.

2. Word of God (Perception, Metabolization, Application).

The Mechanics of Restoration:

Loss: Filling is lost through sin.

Restoration: Achieved through 1 John 1:9 (Faith-Rest, Grace Orientation, Doctrinal Orientation).

Distinction: Rebound vs. Recovery:

1. Rebound: Instantaneous. The moment known sin is confessed, God is faithful and just to forgive.

2. Recovery: The long-term process of returning to spiritual momentum after time spent in the "cosmic system" (out of fellowship).

Personal Illustration: The speaker spent 20 years out of doctrine; the last 1.5 years have been a recovery process.

Greek Word Study and Systems of Perception:

Homologeo (Confess): To name, cite, or agree with.

Pisteuo (Believe): The mechanism for salvation.

Point: Both Confession and Belief are non-meritorious systems of perception.

Contrast: God excluded Empiricism and Rationalism (meritorious systems) from salvation and restoration so that the creature gets no credit.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9 (Faith is a gift from God).

The Renewing of the Mind:

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Quote: "Don't be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Application: Bible study is the "checkup from the neck up" required for recovery.

Positional vs. Experiential Forgiveness:

Positional: At the Cross. All sins were imputed to Christ. No one (believer or unbeliever) goes to hell for their sins; judgment is based on unbelief.

Experiential: 1 John 1:9 maintains fellowship, not salvation.

Legal Analogy: When we confess, we are looking back to the court case at the Cross. We are agreeing with God that the sin was already judged there.

The Promise of Cleansing:

Scripture: 1 John 1:9 ("...cleanse us from all unrighteousness").

Definition: This refers to the forgiveness of unknown sins. Confessing known sin results in the cleansing of unknown sin as well.

V. Definition of Evil

Key Distinction: All sin is evil, but not all evil is sin.

Definition: "Evil is human good and human wisdom substituting for God's grace, power, and design. It is often well-intentioned but independent from God."

The Original Sin: Satan’s "I Wills" (Isaiah 14).

It was not rampant immorality; it was independence from God .

Application/Illustration:

Recovering from immorality is often easier than recovering from evil.

Example of Evil: Crusades to "clean up the devil's world" (e.g., bombing abortion clinics, self-righteous activism).

These actions are independent of God. God calls believers to grow in grace and knowledge, not to attempt to clean up the cosmos through human power.

VI. Transition to New Material

Resource: QR Code provided for slide downloads.

Scripture: James 4:8 (Starting point for the current lesson).

Paraphrase: "Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Scripture: Ephesians 5:26

Quote: "So that he may sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word."

The Mechanism of Cleansing: We pick up on the perception, metabolization, and application of Bible doctrine. It is the Word that cleanses and washes the believer.

VII. Refutation of Sinless Perfectionism

The Heresy: Addressing the "camp" of people who believe a Christian can reach a state of sinless perfection.

Theological Correction:

The New Nature: It is true that the believer has the imputed righteousness of God and is a "new creation"; this part of the believer cannot sin.

The Sin Nature (The Flesh): There is a part of the believer (the flesh/sin nature) that remains until death; this part does sin.

Scripture Reference: Romans 7 (Paul’s Struggle)

Paul admits he does not do what he wants to do, but does the very things he hates.

This highlights the ongoing internal battle/war for the soul between the perfect new nature and the old sin nature.

Conclusion: The teaching of sinless perfection is heresy. Bible doctrine teaches the Total Depravity of Man due to the indwelling old sin nature.

VIII. The Doctrine of Total Depravity

Context: Romans Chapters 1–3 set the stage for total depravity.

Scripture Reading: Romans 3:19–23

Verse 19: "Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may become accountable to God."

Verse 20: "Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. But through the law comes the knowledge of sin."

Verse 21: "But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been manifested..."

Verse 23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Clarification on the Gospel: One must not stop at verse 23 ("bad news"). The "Good News" is that despite everyone being in the "same boat," we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.

Formal Definition: Total Depravity

Correction of Misconception: It does not mean that everyone is as bad as they could be (e.g., paying taxes vs. being a criminal). Comparison with others is a trap.

The Definition: "It means that every part of man is corrupted, and we cannot initiate, perceive, or pursue God apart from grace."

Note: Grace is defined as God’s unmerited favor.

IX. The Evolution of Sin in Spiritual Growth

Spiritual Growth and Sin: As a believer improves, they still sin; the sins just become more subtle.

Drunkenness may be replaced by Pride .

Stealing may become Arrogance.

Fornication can become Self-Righteousness.

Coveting can become Competing, Comparing, and Judging.

The Reality: Acts of sin are inevitable; no one reaches perfection.

X. The Sin of Independence

The Danger for Doctrinal Believers: A major sin for those who study the Bible is Independence.

Distinction: This is not "spiritual independence" (a valid stage of growth).

The Sin: The attitude of "I don't need a pastor or a local assembly."

Analogy: This mimics the first sin in angelic history (Satan saying "I will," choosing his will over God's).

Warning: The more mature the believer, the more subtle the temptation to become independent.

XI. The Necessity of Naming and Citing Sin

The Problem: Failure to name/cite sin leads to picking up unrighteous attitudes.

The Solution: Forgiveness is available, but the believer must use Free Will to honor God's system of forgiveness.

Goal: To get out of the "Cosmic System" and back into the Pre-designed Plan of God .

Analogy: Salvation and Confession

Just as we used free will to believe for salvation (non-meritorious), we use free will to confess for fellowship.

The Mechanics of Confession:

Recognize the sin (e.g., anger, bitterness).

Privately to God: "Father, I confess the sin of anger."

Principle: All sin is ultimately against God.

By confessing, you agree with God and express the desire to return to His plan.

XII. The Illustration of the Chair (Merit in the Object)

The Illustration: Sitting in a chair.

The merit is not in your faith (that the chair will hold you).

The merit is in the object (the chair itself).

Application: In salvation and confession, the merit is in the object (Jesus Christ/God’s faithfulness), not in the believer's effort.

The Heresy of "Plus":

Faith is rendered ineffective when you add to it (e.g., Believe + Baptism, Believe + Repent of sins, Believe + Raise hand).

Confession is rendered ineffective when you add to it (e.g., Confession + Feeling sorry, Confession + Vowing never to do it again, Confession + Penance).

Greek Language Note: Confession and God’s faithfulness to forgive are in the Subjunctive Mood (potential).

Meaning: Maybe you will confess, maybe you won't. Maybe He will forgive, maybe He won't (He only forgives if it is done His way, without adding works).

XIII. The Role of Free Will and Privacy

Analogy: Prayer ("Ask and ye shall receive"). We ask because God instructs us to use our free will to request.

Respecting Privacy:

God does not force Himself on anyone.

Pastoral Application: It is not the pastor’s job to police the congregation’s behavior or force norms and standards.

Virtue: Developing the ability to "mind your own business." Strife often comes from forcing values on others.

Two Options for Sin:

1. God's Way: Use free will to simply name and cite sins privately.

2. Man's Way: Reject God's plan and add a religious system (penance, confessing to a priest, "Hail Marys").

XIV. Grace vs. Works

The Central Issue: Are you willing to humble yourself and take the road of grace where you get no credit?

Definition: Humility

(Contrast with Arrogance: Acting independently of God).

"Humility is a mental attitude that recognizes dependence on God’s grace and willingly submits to His authority, provision, and plan rather than rely on yourself."

Application to Confession: It does not matter how you feel about your sin (remorse/guilt).

God forgives because He is faithful and just, and because the sin was imputed to Christ at the Cross.

Scripture: Romans 11:6 — "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace."

Adding works (tears, guilt, vows) destroys grace.

XV. The Critical Role of Rebound (Problem-Solving Device)

Necessity: Without Rebound (confession), it is impossible to execute the Pre-designed Plan of God.

Theology:

Those in the flesh cannot please God.

The plan must be executed in a state of "non-sinning" (fellowship), achieved only through 1 John 1:9.

Consequences of No Rebound:

1. Impossible to be filled with the Spirit.

2. Impossible to learn Bible Doctrine.

Scriptural Principle: The natural man cannot understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14 implied).

XVI. The Process of Doctrine: Perception, Metabolization, Application

Greek Terms:

Gnosis: Academic knowledge (Perception).

Epignosis: Metabolized wisdom (stored in the right lobe of the heart/mind).

The Process:

You hear the Word ( Perception ).

You mix it with faith/believe it (Metabolization -> Epignosis).

You use it (Application).

Stages of Failure: A believer can fail at any stage.

Example: The Nation of Israel (Numbers 13/14 implied).

They had metabolized doctrine but failed at Application .

When they saw the "Giants," they said, "They are too strong for us."

Application to Believers:

The "Giants" (problems) are too strong for you. They are designed that way.

Victory comes when you stop fighting in the flesh and utilize God’s power.

XVII. The Principle of the Minimum Effective Dose

Analogy from Health Care:

Definition: The "Minimum Effective Dose" is the smallest amount of treatment needed to produce a real, measurable benefit.

Anything less than this dose results in the body not responding; the condition remains unchanged (too little medication/therapy/intervention).

Application to the Christian Life:

There is a minimum effective dose regarding the perception, metabolization, and application of Bible doctrine .

Spiritual growth is not accidental, nor does it occur via occasional exposure.

The Requirement: Doctrine must be taken in consistently, processed under the filling of the Holy Spirit, and circulated in the soul to produce strength, stability, and victory.

The Error: Assuming one hour a week on Sunday is sufficient. You cannot meet life’s pressures with unmetabolized doctrine.

XVIII. Biblical Mandate for Daily Consistency

Matthew 4:4 – "Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."

Analogy: Bread (food) is not eaten once a week; neither should doctrine be consumed once a week.

Psalm 1:2 – "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in this law he meditates day and night."

1 Peter 2:2 – "Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation."

Colossians 3:16 – "Let the word of Christ dwell richly within you."

Acts 2:42 – "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching..."

Note: The early church understood this rhythm.

Pastoral Clarification: The goal is not to be overwhelmed by volume (e.g., an hour a day immediately), but to establish consistency.

Small daily intake produces a stronger believer than a large weekly dose followed by six days of starvation.

The Test of Pressure: Pressure exposes what is circulating in the soul.

Illustration (Combat Sports/Wrestling): Under pressure ("the big lights"), you cannot execute moves you have not practiced repetitively. You will always fall back to the lowest level of your training.

XIX. The Process of Transformation

Proverbs 23:7 – "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

Romans 12:2 – "Do not be conformed..."

Meaning: Do not let the world squeeze you into its mold.

Contrast: "...but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Greek Word Study: Metamorpho (transformed). Like a metamorphosis (caterpillar to butterfly). It is a shift from an immature form to a mature form.

The Necessity of the Pastor-Teacher:

God never intended believers to grow by isolated reading alone. Personal reading is valuable but is not a substitute for systematic teaching.

Ephesians 4:11-12 – Pastors and teachers are given for the equipping of the saints and building up the body.

Romans 10:14 – "How will they hear without a preacher?"

Hebrews 13:17 – "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls."

The Learning Pattern:

1. God assigns a Pastor-Teacher.

2. Pastor teaches doctrine.

3. Believer responds by listening, writing notes, thinking it through, and applying it under the filling of the Spirit.

2 Timothy 4:3 – Warning that a time will come when they "will not endure sound doctrine."

Point: Sound doctrine builds muscle. Without it, believers are weak and unstable.

Summary: The minimum effective dose for spiritual victory is consistent intake of truth under the power of the Holy Spirit.

XX. Four Results of Rebound (Confession of Sin)

Prerequisite: If you are not filled with the Spirit, nothing you do pleases God (those in the flesh cannot please God).

1. Restoration of Fellowship

Hermeneutics Note: One must distinguish between Positional Sanctification (Salvation) and Experiential Sanctification (Fellowship). Collapsing these categories leads to error.

The Book of James Clarification: When James speaks of "faith without works," he uses the Greek word for deliverance, not eternal salvation.

Faith without works cannot deliver you from problems, pressures, and trials in this life.

Upcoming Study: The Epistle of 1 John will be used to prove this is about fellowship, not a test of salvation.

2. Recovery of the Filling of the Spirit

Ephesians 5:18 – "Do not be drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit."

Analogy: Paul correlates being "under the influence" of alcohol with being "under the influence" (control) of the Holy Spirit.

3. Re-entry into the Predesigned Plan of God

Naming and citing sin is effectively an appeal to God to be re-entered into His plan.

4. Recovery from Cosmic Influence

Note on Timing: This may take time. Recovering from quenching or grieving the Spirit requires humility.

Example: The life of David. The longer one stays out of fellowship (in the Cosmic System), the more susceptible they become to its influences.

XXI. The Procedural Importance of Rebound

Rebound is the most basic procedure for spiritual victory over the Old Sin Nature.

The Priesthood: It is the only function of the believer's priesthood accepted by God while in the Cosmic System.

Other functions (prayer, giving, offerings) are not accepted if the believer is out of fellowship (has unconfessed sin).

Application: Before prayer or Bible study, one must take a moment of silence to examine themselves.

XXII. The Mechanics of Momentum for Rebound

Hebrews 12:15 – "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble..."

Step 1: Name it. (Confess to God).

Step 2: Isolate it. Deal with sins individually. Do not re-confess past sins that were already dealt with; start from where you are.

Philippians 3:13 – "...forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead."

Step 3: Forget it.

Application (Mental Illness/Shame): Those battling mental illness often carry immense shame and guilt for things done (or not done) during their illness. This keeps them out of God's plan.

You cannot move forward while holding onto past guilt.

Isaiah 55:7 – "Let the wicked forsake his way... and return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him."

God is not waiting to "clobber" you. He is a God of mercy and grace waiting to restore you to fellowship.

XXIII. Synonyms for Rebound in Scripture

1 Corinthians 11:31 – "But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged."

Self-Judgment: This is agreeing with God ("I blew it"). It is discerning the error, not punishing oneself with condemnation.

Romans 6:13 – "And do not go on presenting the parts of your body to sin... but present yourselves to God..."

Grammar Note: "Do not go on presenting" presupposes prior failure. You cannot stop doing something unless you were already doing it.

Concept: This is Rebound expressed in volitional terms.

Homework: Romans 6 explains Rebound in action; 1 John 1:9 explains how it happens.

Romans 12:1 – "Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice..."

Meaning: Placing yourself under orders from God.

Correction: This refutes the teaching that you just "reckon" the work finished without naming sin. The Bible uses the active voice: you must present your members.

Romans 12:2 – "Do not be conformed... but be transformed..."

Romans 12:1-2 can be viewed as the complete process of Rebound and Recovery.

XXIV. Closing Challenge and Personal Testimony

The Challenge: Try doing it God's way for 30 days. Study the Word daily and believe it.

Personal Testimony:

Reference to the speaker’s recovery from Bipolar Disorder.

Timeline: Two years off all medications and psychiatry after a 20-year struggle.

Attribution: Success is due entirely to God’s way—accuracy and preciseness in doctrine.

Conclusion: God is no respecter of persons; this restoration is available to anyone.

Closing Prayer:

Acknowledgment that God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3 allusion).

Trials may remain tomorrow, but we face them with new strength and mercy.