“SAY THE SAME THING”

9 “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

Most people find "sorry" one of the hardest words to say. I can probably say that this remains true even for believers. But at some point, you and I should be willing to pronounce it.

In our previous blog, we learned that God's word remains our basis for spiritual truth. Here’s another important step toward your recovery from a distressing episode:

Confess.

Because of our sinful nature, falling into sin is not impossible. But if we fall short, it’s not the end of the world. We can do something about it.

Today’s verse is a great promise to every believer whose relationship with God is hindered by sin and guilt. John informs his readers about God’s readiness to forgive and cleanse a contrite, heart-broken believer. He says that God is ready to forgive, as long as we are willing to confess our sins. To “confess” is “to say the same thing as another.” In this case, it is to admit or declare one’s guilt. We confess our sins because we recognize God’s holy standards and our failure to meet them. We confess because we recognize our need for forgiveness.

This verse assures us that God is faithful, just, and forgiving. Not only does He pardon our wrongdoing, but He also cleanses us from all unrighteousness. The term “cleanses” (katharizō) means “to free from the defilement of sin and from faults.” From a Jewish perspective, it means being pronounced clean and fit for public worship. For a Christian, it refers to the wiping out of guilt and the restoration of one’s fellowship with God.

One of the most important benefits of confession is that it reinstates your intimacy with God and fellowship with others. Your humility and courage to acknowledge wrongdoing softens people’s hearts and helps reestablish your connection with them.

Moreover, confession helps you to have a real peace. You no longer have to carry the weight of shame and guilt of your sin because Jesus has already taken that burden off of you.

I understand that the first step is often the hardest. To admit one’s guilt means to have an awareness of personal misconduct and a recognition of God’s holiness; this requires faith and humility. May God grant us these things and bridge the gap between us and Him.

Pursue the Savior today!