Chuck Smith discusses the theme of confession of sin, illustrating various types of confessions from the Bible, including the terror-driven confession of Pharaoh, the insincere confession of Saul, and the double-mindedness of Balaam. He emphasizes the difference between genuine repentance and mere acknowledgment of wrongdoing, highlighting the dangers of superficial confessions that lack true transformation. The sermon culminates in the blessed confession of the Prodigal Son, showcasing the hope and restoration that comes from sincere repentance.

"CONFESSION OF SIN" I. HARDENED SINNER IN TERROR "I HAVE SINNED." A. Why the confession? 1. Thunder & hail, fire running along ground. 2. How many similar confessions elicited from calamity. a. Storm. b. War. c. Earthquake. d. Bed of sickness. 3. Men on parole committing crime. II. DOUBLE MINDED MAN "I HAVE SINNED" BALAAM - Num. 22:34. A. Though he confessed to angel of Lord, The went right on - no turning back. 1. On hill overlooking Israel. "How shall I curse those whom God has not cursed?" "I shall see Him but not yet: I shall behold Him but not nigh - Let me die the death of the righteous." a. Hope for such a man, as he comes down from hill. b. As he comes down from hill. 2. No man can serve two masters. Serve three or four. a. No man can serve two masters. 3. Balaam tried. 4. King Rufus painted God on one side of shield & devil on other motto: "Ready for both, catch who can." a. People same meet minister - pious. III. I SAM. 15:24. SAUL "THE INSINCERE CONFESSION." A. To Samuel "I have sinned" did not mean it for he gave a lying excuse. "I feared the people." 1. He never feared anyone to do his own will. 2. Saul extremely vacillating. a. With David. b. One day with prophets, later with witches. c. India rubber consciences, easily impressed but soon returned to original position. IV. THE DOUBTFUL CONFESSION - ACHAN, "I HAVE SINNED" JOSHUA 7:20. A. Guilty of taking loot from Jericho. 1. Some think Achan was saved (made full confession). 2. Matthew Henry & others disagree. a. Who knows? b. Doubtful confessions. c. Death-bed confessions. 1. Dr. kept record of 1000 people who when thought they were dying confessed Christ, Later when well only 3 served Christ & lives changed. V. CONFESSION OF DESPAIR - JUDAS, MATT, 27:4 A. Remorse of conscience. VI. CONFESSION OF A SAINT, JOB 7:20, Ps. 51, I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins." VII. THE BLESSED CONFESSION. Luke 15:18 THE PRODIGAL. A. Picture the scene.