If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV) 1 John 1:9
Before you spend time with God either in prayer or reading the Bible, you need to go before Him and confess any sins that you have committed. When we sin, there is a break in our relationship with God. We do not lose our salvation. But just as in any relationship, there is a barrier or obstacle between two people until one goes and asks for forgiveness. The basis for our forgiveness of sin lies in God’s mercy. The condition for forgiveness of sin lies in the confession of it.
In 1 John 1:9, John writes that we need to our sin to cleanse us of it. To confess means to literally “say the same thing,” or “to agree with.” Confession is more than a general acknowledgment of one’s sinfulness. A child of God must be willing to say the same thing about his sins that God says about them – God hates sin! The result of confessing our sins to God is that He is faithful. God is true to His word and forgives us. He cleanses us of our own unrighteousness.
What sins do you need to confess to God? How about some of these based on Bible passages. . .
- Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; (TLB) What do I worry about? Do I dwell on the unforeseen? Do I pray about everything?
- Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV) Am I sarcastic? Is my speech harsh? Do I swear or use dirty language? tell off-color jokes? gossip? Am I a complainer? How do I build up others with my language?
- Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”(NIV) Do I desire for others to know Christ? When have I failed to share about Jesus? Does my lifestyle teach others about Christ? How is my life either a positive or negative reflection of Jesus?
- 2 Timothy 2:23-24 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. (NIV) Are you quarrelsome or argumentative? Are your words “hurtful”? Are you guilty of “tearing down” with your words within the church? Do you always have to prove you’re right?
- Philippians 4:8 Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. (TLB) Am I indulging in any impure practices? Do I watch things that I shouldn’t? on TV? movies? Internet? Is my thought life pure?
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
