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. 1 John 1:8-10 I read about a man who responded to the invitation at an evangelistic service. “I am a Christian,” he told the man who met him at the altar, “but there is a sin in my life, and I need help.” The counselor read some verses of Scripture and then encouraged him to confess his sins to God. The man began to pray, “Oh Father, if we have done anything wrong…” The counselor interrupted him. “Don’t drag me into your sin! There is no ‘if’ or ‘we’ involved. If you want forgiveness, you need to get down to business with God!” Often we try to minimize our sin. We blame others rather than accepting the responsibility for what we have done. We make excuses to downplay and deflect our guilt. If we want to experience the forgiveness and restoration that God promises, we must genuinely confess. The Bible principle of confession is a full admission of responsibility and an agreement with God about the nature of our sin. From the very first sin in the Garden of Eden, when Adam blamed Eve for eating the forbidden fruit, people have been attempting to avoid dealing with their sin. Because of God’s holy hatred of sin, He is not interested in our excuses, and He will not accept our half-hearted apologies for what we barely admit having done. In his great song of repentance, David wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17). Today’s Renewal Principle: Treat your sin with the same seriousness that God does, and you will experience His restoration.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 09:04:06 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015