“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10)
Anyone with an addictive problem, such as alcohol, cigarettes, drugs or gambling, has to admit they have a problem before they can get help. Essentially, they have to confess their addictive behavior and then ask for help. Scripture tells us we are all addicted to sin, in a manner of speaking (Romans 3:23). We habitually sin because we don’t really know any better. We’ve been born with a sense of right and wrong, yet have a repeated tendency to do that which is wrong, rather than right. Like any other addictive behavior, a person cannot get help until they confess and seek help.
For the unbeliever seeking forgiveness, there is one important additional step … repentance. As stated, we are all sinners; no one is absolved. Just like any addiction, we have a choice. We can ignore those who say we have a problem and thus continue on our downward spiral or we can wake up and finally realize that those trying to help us just might not be the enemy after all. People that care say something. That is why Christians witness to lost souls about the forgiveness God offers resulting in a second chance. God does what He promises. If we confess our sinfulness, He will forgive us; once for all time. He will never hold our confessed sins against us again. When we receive His forgiveness, termed ‘redemption’, we are instantly purified making us righteous in His sight. God sees us through the blood of Christ. Nothing else is required for our sins to be washed clean. Nothing else will cleanse us either; only Christ’s blood. It is the sole reason He willingly went to the cross in the first place. God knew nothing else could do the job. Sending Jesus Christ into this world is the most powerful way God could have shown us His love. A living, breathing example; one who fit in with those He lived among.
Even after we have been redeemed we can still sin. When we do, we simply ask God to forgive us with an attitude of sincerity and remorse and He forgives us. When someone says they’re sorry the implication is that they will strive to change their future behavior. To not make that adjustment cheapens God’s grace. Seek forgiveness, receive it, reassess your life and move forward in God’s grace a changed person.
WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!
