My church is doing a memory project in which we, as a congregation, have been given 25 Bible verses to memorize through the Spring and Summer. We’ll then receive another 25 verses to memorize in the Fall and Winter. I am so excited to participate in this and intentionally learn and memorize scripture. The goal isn’t just so I can stand in front of someone and tell them a Bible verse. The goal is to connect the mind and the heart with the Word of God. In so doing, may God be glorified, and may I run to the light of His Word every single day!
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
So straightforward.
So simple.
There isn’t much to add now, is there?
If we confess our sins
If… then…
Who remembers learning about Conditional Sentences in Language Arts class? I remember having to write several sentences that would show that I understood how to write these types of sentences. If a certain condition is true, then a particular result happens. But that result will only happen if the condition is true.
Christians must confess their sins. There is no way to get around it. There isn’t anything that God doesn’t know already. Some may question well, if God already knows everything, what is the point of confessing it? That’s just it. Yes, He knows, but He wants you to know as well and take the important step toward salvation – which is confession.
What does it mean to confess our sins? It means acknowledging our failures, our shortcomings, and our mistakes before God. We don’t try to justify or excuse our actions, but we openly and honestly admit to them. Confessing our sins is not just a ritual or formality but an act of surrender. It’s a way of letting go of our pride and admitting that we need God’s mercy and grace. It’s confessing any sin that goes against God’s commandments and how we are supposed to live.
Something that I have noticed in some church circles is the desire to welcome people in and want them to feel included – while remaining to live in their sinful lifestyle. In other words, there is no urgency for repentance or teaching them that they are living in sin. The urgency is focused more on wanting them to feel loved and welcome. However, enabling sin does not equal showing love. In fact, the greatest way we can love someone is by pointing out their sin and then directing them to the One who loves them the most and displaying that love in the most incredible way – by dying on the cross so that we may live!
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
For one will scarcely die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die –
Romans 5:7-8
but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Twice, in the book of John, Jesus said, “Sin no more” (John 5:14; John 8:11).
We confess, and then we sin no more. Jesus is faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us.
What does it mean that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins? It means that His forgiveness is not based on our merit or worthiness but on His character and promise. He is faithful to His Word and His love, and He is just to forgive us because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
God’s forgiveness is not just a pardon but a cleansing. It’s a process of removing the stain and the guilt of sin from our hearts and minds. It’s a way of renewing our spirit and our relationship with Him. As we confess our sins and receive God’s forgiveness, we also receive the gift of Holy Spirit who empowers us to live a new life of righteousness and holiness. We become children of God who walk in the light and fellowship with Him and one another.
Going back to my point about some churches excusing sin in order to make people feel welcome. As Christians, we are called to strive for holiness and to follow God’s commands. Sin is never condoned or excused. In fact, 1 John 3:4 says, Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. In 1 Peter, we are called to be holy.
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:13-16
Yes, Jesus came to save us from our sins and offers us grace and forgiveness, but that doesn’t mean we should continue to live in sin. Romans 6:1-2 reminds us that What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
So sister in Christ, if you carry the burden of your sins, don’t despair or hide from God. You can’t hide anyway. Confess your sins to Him and receive His forgiveness and cleansing. And go and sin no more. Live a life that pursues holiness and rejoices in the extraordinary love of Christ!
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