DEVOTION, Nov. 5, 2021

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8-10).

Most of us realize that we have offended our Creator. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. So what are we to do? Our verse tells us to confess our sins. I think confession has two implications. First, if we are conscious of having committed a specific sin, we are to pray asap and confess that sin to God. Second, we may not be aware of a particular sin, but we know that many of our thoughts, words, and deeds fall short of the divine standard. That is what we confess when we partake of the Lord’s Supper.

To “confess” in Greek means to agree with God that we have offended Him. Thus, we do not attempt to hide our sins or to explain them away. Instead, we agree with God that we have sinned and tell Him we are sorry (repent). Then what does God do? He is faithful and just and will forgive us. He is “just” because Jesus atoned for our sins, and those who trust in Him can know that they are forgiven.

If we deny our sins, we are calling God a liar, admitting that our faith is not authentic. Needless to say, to call God a liar is the mother of stupidity! Confession and repentance are the marks of true faith.

Father, I confess to You that I speak words, think thoughts, and behave in ways that violate Your holy will all too often. I do trust in Jesus, who bore my sins at Calvary. Thank You for Your forgiving love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.