Confession of sins is not new. We do not intend to leave the impression that the Christian churches never before have experienced the confession of sins under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Just as speaking in tongues has been in evidence throughout church history whenever Christians have come before God in sincerity, so it has been true that conviction of sin in the believers also has been in evidence.

The writings of the Christian saints will demonstrate, we believe, that their individual histories illustrate the kinds of relationships with God we are suggesting in our book. The Holy Spirit made them aware of the condition of their hearts and of their words and deeds, just as He is making us aware of our sins and rebellions in the present hour. There is nothing new about the confession of their sins by Christian believers.

The fullness of God has been available to every believer since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the first century. The churches have gone through dark and troubled days since then. It is time now to turn to the Lord and seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength until He comes and rains righteousness on us (Hosea 10:12).

Judgment begins with the house of God. We must purify ourselves through the authority of the blood of Jesus and the power of the Spirit.

... but we know, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (I John 3:2,3)

We Christians hope to be like the righteous Jesus when He appears. This is a vain hope unless we obey the Spirit now. "Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." The Lord cannot be much clearer than that.

Judgment always begins with the house of God. The nearer we are to the Lord the stricter the judgment is. We of all people shall be examined concerning every one of our sins. The prophets never can speak comfortably to Jerusalem until "she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins" (Isaiah 40:2). Jerusalem, the family of God, receives the double portion of blessing and anointing and also the double punishment for her sins.

On occasion the Lord may wink at the ignorance of the world. But God never overlooks one spot or wrinkle in His Church. The Lord will present to Himself a glorious Church, "not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing" (Ephesians 5:27).

Any teaching contrary to this may entice the disciple into the delusion that practical, daily holiness of life is not a necessary part of Christian discipleship. Such a concept of the Gospel can lead only to destruction.

To be continued.