Why We Confess Corporate (Not Just Individual) Sins

In the liturgy, the church often confesses the sins of the whole body of Christ and not merely our own individual, personal sins.  But this seems odd to many people raised in the highly individualistic culture of the United States.  If you have ever wondered whether or not it is right for you to confess the sins of other Christians, see this excellent essay by pastor Ed Eubanks for a thoroughly biblical answer:  The Confession of Corporate Sins: Collective Ownership of Others’ Sins.

 

Why do we confess sin together in worship?

Here is a short but penetrating article on the reasons why confessing our sins together as a church body in corporate worship and receiving the Lord’s forgiveness is a healing mercy and precious gift from God.

Three Views: Why Confess Sins in Worship When It Seems So Rote?
by Kathleen Norris, John Witvliet (director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship), and Enuma Okoro