To Be Forgiven
“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)
What hope do we have to earn forgiveness? To receive mercy from a perfect God who requires perfection to be in relationship? None in and of ourselves. But in Christ there is great hope. In Christ it is accomplished and forgiveness delivered. By believing in Jesus, that he lived the perfect life and died as a substitute for us, we gain his righteousness and relationship with the holy God. We also are given the way of forgiveness for all of life.
If we confess, and let’s be honest, we have much sin to confess, he is faithful and just to forgive us. Jesus is faithful to once again apply the forgiveness he gives you through his blood and he cleanses you anew from all the filth once a burden. It is a privilege worth celebrating and worshiping about; that we can confess, be forgiven and experience Christ’s righteousness as our own.
There is no penance or work to prove we are better. There is no earning the mercy and there is no uncertainty over if he will give it to us. We are free to confess. Free to be honest about our each and every sin — all of the times we have turned from Christ toward other things. And he is faithful and just to forgive. Faithful because it is ongoing and constant forgiveness. Just because he fulfilled the law for you, his blood met the wrath against sin and justice has been served.
Do you recognize this freedom today? Go to Jesus, confess and know you are forgiven. Live in light of his righteousness that is yours and feel free to dance a little. This all is really good news.
What hope do we have to earn forgiveness? To receive mercy from a perfect God who requires perfection to be in relationship? None in and of ourselves. But in Christ there is great hope. In Christ it is accomplished and forgiveness delivered. By believing in Jesus, that he lived the perfect life and died as a substitute for us, we gain his righteousness and relationship with the holy God. We also are given the way of forgiveness for all of life.
If we confess, and let’s be honest, we have much sin to confess, he is faithful and just to forgive us. Jesus is faithful to once again apply the forgiveness he gives you through his blood and he cleanses you anew from all the filth once a burden. It is a privilege worth celebrating and worshiping about; that we can confess, be forgiven and experience Christ’s righteousness as our own.
There is no penance or work to prove we are better. There is no earning the mercy and there is no uncertainty over if he will give it to us. We are free to confess. Free to be honest about our each and every sin — all of the times we have turned from Christ toward other things. And he is faithful and just to forgive. Faithful because it is ongoing and constant forgiveness. Just because he fulfilled the law for you, his blood met the wrath against sin and justice has been served.
Do you recognize this freedom today? Go to Jesus, confess and know you are forgiven. Live in light of his righteousness that is yours and feel free to dance a little. This all is really good news.
Thank you, Jonathan. This is a reminder I needed. 🙂
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