There is a wonderful custom in confession. Kiss the cross and the gospel. Most people do this automatically, without thinking about what it means, but in the past, when a witness was brought to court, he had to kiss the cross and the gospel as a sign that he would tell the truth. The same oath of allegiance before the cross and the gospel was given by soldiers upon joining the army. What promise does the confessor make? A promise to be true and faithful, and not to sin like that again. Reverend Vladimir Vorobyov.