The Doctrine of Repentance

Confession of sin makes way for¹ pardon^*. No sooner did the Prodigal come with a confession in his mouth, I have sinned against Heaven, but his Fathers heart did melt towards him, and he kissed him, Luk. 15. 20. When David said, I have sinned, the Prophet brings him a box with a pardon, The Lord hath put away thy sin, 2 Sam. 12. 13. ^*He who doth sincerely confess sin, hath Gods bond for a pardon, 1 Joh. 1. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Why doth not the Apostle say, if we confess, he is merciful to forgive our sins? no, but he is just; because he hath bound himself by promise to forgive such. He who confesseth sin, and comes with a penitent heart by faith in Christ, ^*Gods truth and justice is engaged for the pardoning of that man.⁵

Confession of sin makes way for¹ pardon^*. No sooner did the Prodigal come with a confession in his mouth, I have sinned against Heaven, but his Fathers heart did melt towards him, and he kissed him, Luk. 15. 20. When David said, I have sinned, the Prophet brings him a box with a pardon, The Lord hath put away thy sin, 2 Sam. 12. 13. ^*He who doth sincerely confess sin, hath Gods bond for a pardon,