The promise given to anyone who approaches God with humility in seeking forgiveness is simple: “If
we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV). In this scenario, God is waiting for us and ready to forgive us until we decide to approach Him finally. Why is it important? Because when we finally take the step, we are admitting and confessing our sin. J. Hampton Keathley, III[1]explained, “The Greek word for confession in 1 John 1:9 is homologeo. This word means, “to speak the same language,” “to acknowledge, admit, agree with.” Confessing our sin is agreeing with God’s verdict of our sinfulness with the aim of restoring our broken fellowship with God. Lee Strobel shared this excellent insight:
 |
| No copyright infringement intended |
Believing the right things about Jesus isn't enough. You're not adopted as God's child until you confess and turn away from your wrongdoing and receive the freely offered gift of forgiveness and eternal life that Jesus purchased with his death on the cross.
Next, when we confess and acknowledge our sin to God, He responds because “…he is faithful…” God’s faithfulness never wavers and never ceases. The book of Lamentations described it distinctly: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (3:22-23). J. Stephen Lang[2]shared, “For the Christian, confession is not an option. We sin, and we confess, and our life with God goes on. It can't be otherwise.” Confessing our sin opens doors in His great vault filled with faithfulness.
Next, when we confess and acknowledge our sin to God, we can be assured that He will be “…just to forgive us our sins…” Frederick Buechner shared, “To confess your sins to God is not to tell [God] anything [God] doesn't already know. Until you confess them, however, they are the abyss between you. When you confess them, they become the bridge.” Fear always keeps anyone from doing this essential task. However, everything starts with this one thing towards mending our broken relationship with God because of sin and its effect. Let’s heed the prophet Isaiah’s counsel: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7, ESV).
Finally, when we confess and acknowledge our sin to God, He sees Jesus and His blood as the only means “…to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”Daniel Fuller provided this insight, “If God did not forgive the Christian who confesses and turns away from sin, God would become unrighteous by holding in contempt Christ's atoning work, whose purpose was to uphold God's glory.” Jesus came for the sole purpose of bridging God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness. Without Christ, there’s no way for humanity to approach God. “Sin is the most expensive thing in the universe. If it is forgiven sin, it cost God His only Son. If it is unforgiven sin, it cost the sinner his soul and an eternity in hell”(Charles G. Finney). Thus, with Christ dying on the cross, He became the “only way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6).
The seriousness of God’s intent of providing a way out of our sinfulness came after Jesus gave up His ghost and the temple curtain split into two safeguarding the Holy of Holies. In His death, Jesus tore the veil representing the separation of man from God. And because of His atoning work, entering the throne of God with boldness became a reality for all of us (Hebrews 4:16). If we are sick and tired of our bad situation, the ball is in our court. Let’s set aside our pride and approach God with humility. Somebody said,
Sometimes victory over sin comes quickly. Other times, victory comes more slowly. God has promised that as we make use of His resources, He will progressively bring about change in our lives. We can persevere in our efforts to overcome sin because we know that He is faithful to His promises.
Let’s talk again!
