Gate Five the Valley Gate
Symbolizes Confession
How is this gate important to my faith? From darkness we are brought into light- through forgiveness we are united with Christ! This gate symbolizes God's big heart and His desire to forgive those who are willing to confess and surrender themselves to God.
How can this gate be applied to one's personal faith? In true confession we must acknowledge that we have sinned by our own fault. We cannot blame someone else or simply call it an error of judgement. Secondly, after we confess we must accept forgiveness based on the Word of God. When we take time to confess our sins and to realize the seriousness of our sin it reminds us that we are not saved by our own works, and that the only thing we can boast of is our God!
What is the most important lesson you have learned from studying this gate? For me, it is really hard to confess my sins to someone else -even to my family. However James 5:16 is very clear that the prayers of righteous men are powerful and effective - it is through those prayers that healing takes place. John Wesley said, "The Discipline of confession helps the believer to grow into 'mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Challenge for the Readers: People, even children of God, are quick to judge others and are slow to forgive. We need to realize that we can encourage other believers by being forgiving. John 20:23 says, "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven: if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Are you holding bitterness? And not allowing yourself to forgive someone? I challenge to let go, confess, and forgive!
