Faithful and Just to Forgive

“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)

Oh, Lord, what a bright, shining ray of hope this promise is from Your Word!

Friend, maybe you don't feel like you need times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. 

Maybe you think you don't need to be cleansed of all your unrighteousness.

But I sure do.

Think about God's promise to us here. When (not if) we sin—and we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. 

Forgiven! Instantly! No waiting period. No penance to pay. No indulgences to purchase. No reciting of a thousand "hail Mary's." No pilgrimage to make to some faraway land. 

Instant and complete forgiveness.

But that's not all.

Not only are we forgiven instantly when we confess our sin. God also cleanses us from all our unrighteousness.

All.

Not some. Not most. All. In Greek, "all" means all.

Aren't you thankful for this promise! The following verse literally brings me to tears of repentance and joy:

“My transgression is sealed up in a bag and You cover my iniquity.” (Job 14:17)

And this one too:

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12) 

God doesn't keep a record of His children's sins and then break out the record book when we see Him and beat us with it. Not only are our sins completely forgiven—our slate is wiped clean. He forgets our sins, forever. He said, 

"Their lawless deeds I will remember no more."

This is great cause to rejoice! 

Follower of Christ, no longer do you have to walk with your head hung low in shame. No longer do you have to believe the lies of the Accuser of the Brethren who tries to convince you that God is disgusted and done with you. You are forgiven and free!

Jesus said:  “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

When Jesus sets us free, we have been set free from sin; not set free to keep on sinning. Grace is not a license to keep on doing what we did in our old life. Jesus set us free to love and serve Him. Free to love and serve others.

Once I realize that I'm free from the power and penalty of sin, I should be dancing in the streets and want to tell everyone I meet this Great News of what has happened to me! Of what Jesus Christ has done for me!

What about you?

Rejoice that your name has been written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Thank the Lord for what He has done for you. And now go share that wonderful news with someone.

     —Thank You Lord Jesus for Your love and faithfulness!

—God is Love, and Love Never Fails.