John Michael Talbot - Confession Lyrics
Lyrics
(I John 1)
I see a struggle now within
Alive in my soul
As I'm dying to sin
I do the things that I hate
So I hate what I do
Who will deliver me?
But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ
For there is no condemnation at all
This is the message we have heard
We have seen with our eyes
We have touched with our hands
The Word of life appeared
The Word became flesh
The Word dwelt among us
The Word of life
The God of light
And in Him there is no darkness at all
If we claim to have fellowship with Him
Yet we walk in the dark
We live in a lie
If we claim to be without sin
We deceive ourselves
The Word is not within us
If we confess our sins and cry out to God
He will forgive and purify our human hearts
For those who are in Jesus Christ
He has given us of the Spirit of God
I see a struggle now within
Alive in my soul
As I'm dying to sin
Video
John Michael Talbot - Confession
Meaning & Inspiration
John Michael Talbot's "Confession," released on January 1, 1990, as part of his album *Hiding Place*, is a profoundly spiritual and biblically rich piece that delves into the perennial human struggle with sin and the liberating grace found in Christ. Far from a mere musical composition, it serves as a theological meditation set to sound, guiding the hearer through a journey from internal conflict to divine forgiveness. The song's essence is a direct, prayerful acknowledgment of our fallen nature and a joyful embrace of God's redemptive power, drawing heavily from the Epistles of Romans and 1 John to articulate its powerful message.
The song immediately immerses us in the raw, honest confession of the internal battle experienced by every believer. "I see a struggle now within, alive in my soul as I'm dying to sin. I do the things that I hate, so I hate what I do. Who will deliver me?" These lines echo the Apostle Paul's poignant lament in Romans 7:15-24, where he describes the tension between the desire to do good and the persistent pull of sin residing within. It's a universal cry, revealing the paradox of the regenerated heart still wrestling with its old nature. Talbot masterfully captures this profound human predicament, offering a relatable portrait of the daily spiritual warfare. The desperation in "Who will deliver me?" is swiftly met with the triumphant answer of the Gospel: "But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, for there is no condemnation at all." This transition directly mirrors Romans 7:25 and then ushers in the glorious truth of Romans 8:1, affirming that in Christ, the weight of guilt and judgment is utterly removed.
From this personal struggle and subsequent deliverance, the song transitions to the foundational truths of the Christian faith, grounding its message in the objective reality of God's revelation. "This is the message we have heard, we have seen with our eyes, we have touched with our hands." These phrases are a direct invocation of 1 John 1:1-3, emphasizing the apostolic eyewitness accounts of Jesus, the incarnate "Word of life." This firmly establishes the tangible, historical basis of Christianity—that God became flesh and "dwelt among us" (John 1:14), making Himself known and accessible. He is presented as "The God of light," in whom "there is no darkness at all," drawing directly from 1 John 1:5 to underscore God's absolute purity and holiness. This profound statement sets the stage for understanding the conditions of true fellowship with Him.
The song then proceeds to delineate the critical implications of claiming fellowship with such a holy God. Talbot paraphrases 1 John 1:6-8, challenging any pretense of righteousness apart from genuine humility. "If we claim to have fellowship with Him, yet we walk in the dark, we live in a lie." This stark warning reminds us that a life lived in intentional sin is incompatible with genuine communion with the God of light. Furthermore, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves; the Word is not within us." This directly confronts self-deception, affirming that an honest acknowledgment of our fallen state is the prerequisite for truth to reside within. These verses are not about condemnation, but about urging an authentic, transparent relationship with God, free from hypocrisy.
The heart of the "Confession" then comes into full view as the pathway to restoration is revealed. "If we confess our sins and cry out to God, He will forgive and purify our human hearts." This is the glorious promise of 1 John 1:9, offering immediate and complete forgiveness and cleansing to those who genuinely turn to God. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and justice in extending grace through Christ's atoning work. The song further elaborates on the divine provision, stating, "For those who are in Jesus Christ, He has given us of the Spirit of God." This underscores the profound truth that believers are not left to battle sin alone but are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who guides, comforts, and transforms (Romans 8:9-11). The song concludes by returning to the initial struggle, "I see a struggle now within, alive in my soul as I'm dying to sin," not as a defeat, but as an ongoing reality now faced with the assurance of God's forgiveness and the empowering presence of His Spirit. It beautifully encapsulates the Christian walk: a continuous battle against sin, but one fought from a position of victory and grace, constantly sustained by confession and divine mercy. "Confession" thus stands as a timeless anthem for spiritual honesty, a comforting reminder of God’s boundless grace, and an inspiring call to walk in the light of His truth.