December 15

Confessing Our Sins

If we say 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. — 1 John 1:8-9 BSB

To sin is to miss the mark. That’s the meaning of the original word.

When the prodigal son returned, his first words were, “Father, I have missed the mark.” Aren’t we all constantly missing the mark, falling short? Sin is both negative and positive. As the Confession of the Church of England and the Shorter Catechism both acknowledge: “We have done the things that we ought not to have done; we have left undone the things that we ought to have done.” Sin consists not only in breaking God’s law, but also in failing to conform to His will. It is important to consider both aspects. Imagine a group of men headed to a recruitment center where the height requirement is exactly six feet. While one man may be proud that he stands two inches taller than the others, he still falls short of the required height. In the same way, you may be better than many people in your circle, but you still need Christ’s forgiveness and salvation just as much as the worst!

To deal with sin, we must confess. “Do not hide or cover your sins before your Heavenly Father, but confess them with a patient, humble, and contrite heart.” Don’t wait for your evening prayer or for a quiet moment alone. Even in the busy street or during your daily work, lift your heart to Christ if you’ve done wrong, and say, “I have gone astray; seek Your servant.”

It’s not enough to confess to Christ alone. If you’ve wronged someone else, you must go and make it right with them first. Then, come and offer your gift at the altar. Confess and make amends! It’s not enough to be extra kind or suggest something nice; you must specifically ask for forgiveness.

When God forgives, He forgets (Isaiah 43:25). As David, who knew this well, says, “He restores my soul.” Remember, God delights in mercy. He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse. Because of the sacrifice of Calvary, God can be both perfectly just and the Justifier of those who believe in Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your forgiving, compassionate love. I know that my sin cannot change Your love, though it may dim my enjoyment of it. I pray that You will free me from the love and power of sin, so that it will not block the light of Your countenance. Amen.