If We Confess Our Sins To Him, He Is Faithful And Just To Forgive
Grace Does Not Override Justice
1 JOHN 1:8-10
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
”I John 1:8-10 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/1jn.1.8-10.nkj
v
In this passage, John was attacking false teachers who claimed that many people did not sin and have no reason to repent.
We humans are quick to either deny or justify our sins; “it’s ok because everyone is doing it; it wasn’t me, it was the demons in me that done it”; “it’s just a little white lie”; God made me do it.”
The truth is, demons can influence and tempt us through our mind will and emotions to commit all kinds of sin, but while that influence can be very overwhelming, demons cannot force anyone to do anything; God will always make a righteous way of escape for you (1 CORINTHIANS 10:13).
Furthermore, God cannot be tempted, and He does not tempt anyone (JAMES 1:13), but He does test our faith (JAMES 1:3; 1 PETER 1:7).
When one looks at himself in truth, it becomes easy to understand that every one of us has committed sin at one time or another. Furthermore , since the penalty of sin, however small is death, it is easy to understand that we are all in need of a Saviour.
Many say that God’s grace is enough, but while all are saved by the grace of God, grace does not override justice; if it did, Jesus would of had no reason to die on a cross.
These false teachers claimed they had “no sin” and that they was actually incapable of committing sin. This is a lie, indeed “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
To claim we have no sin is a lie, and ignores a basic truth, that all people except Christ are sinners by nature and by practice. Furthermore, it shows that Christ’ death means little to those who claim otherwise.
At the point of confession and repentance, that is to say we are determined to turn from our sins, all our sins, past, present, and future, are forgiven and are justly paid for (v7), just as we forgive those who sin against us, ““For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (MATHEW 6:14-15).”
The truth is, even after we commit to God, by our very nature, we will continue in sin in one way or another whether we realise it or not. But over a period of time, God will teach, mould, and shape us into the people He wants us to be. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Philippians 1:6 NLT
Repentance removes the barriers that sin has put between us and God and opens the door for fellowship and relationship with Jesus.
It’s not always easy to recognise or admit our faults, even to God. It takes humility and honesty to face our weaknesses and give them to Christ in repentance. But the truth is, God already knows your failures and shortcomings, for nothing can be hidden from Him. But He will not push anyone away in repentance, He is faithful to forgive, indeed Jesus said, “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.””
Luke 15:10 NKJV
Regardless of our sinful nature, Jesus loves every single one of us. He did not come to condemn us, it is the devil who wants to do that. Jesus told us, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (JOHN 10:10).
He said, “that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly;” that includes you.
If you haven’t already, give your life to Jesus Christ in repentance today, and receive the gift of life that was paid for and justified by the blood of our LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen
