August 20, 2013 (Jeremiah 48-49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 NLT
Observation: The book of First John was written to dispel doubts and to build assurance by presenting a clear picture of who Christ is and clearly defining what responsibilities we have as His followers. Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and at the same time He was God in the flesh. John’s ears heard the Master speak and his eyes saw the miracles Jesus performed. John’s hands personally touched the perfect spotless Lamb of God and he experienced His resurrected glorified body. He testified of these events so that believers throughout eternity would have assurance of salvation and experience the full joy of a right relationship with God. He declared God to be light and no darkness to be in Him at all. He clearly told believers that if they claimed to know Christ as Savior but continued living in darkness they were liars. John painted a clear picture when he said, “If we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.” “If” and “Then” are key words in John’s proclamation.
Application: True confession includes a sincere devotion to not continue in what we have confessed. Only through repentance can a person sincerely confess and be forgiven. If there has been no repentance (i.e. turning from the sin) then there can be no honest confession and forgiveness. John said if we would “confess our sins to Him” then God would be faithful, and just to forgive us our sins. Not only forgive our sins but also cleanse us from all wickedness. Confession is more than a verbal utterance. True confession comes from a broken heart and a contrite spirit. True confession will always be a companion of real repentance and only through real repentance can we ever truthfully confess our sins. Repentance and confession are not options. They are not choices either. They are commands that we must surrender and submit to.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the privilege and opportunity You give me to repent and confess my sins unto You. Thank You for cleansing me from all wickedness. Keep me by Your strong right arm in Jesus name, Amen!