Confession

" If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

I John 1:9 

 We know that none of us live without sin. After close examination it is evident that we still sin even after conversion. After all, the entire book of I John is about examining ourselves and reaffirming that we are in the faith. In verse eight of this chapter we see that no one is without sin and to say such makes that person a liar and without truth. But we struggle with these thoughts and understanding God's way. Do we lose our salvation when we sin after conversion? Has the glory of being in God's presence slipped through our fingers because of one sin we commit? Must Jesus die again for for our iniquity? Thankfully, no! Scripture tells us that Jesus died once for all who look to Him and believe for all of time, from the foundations of the world to the very last breath that will be taken on this planet.

So what is this manner of confession? It is not strictly toward our brothers in grace or to the head of your local assembly other than that which is specifically against them that would cause the fellowship to cease. Instead, we are to consistently confess our sins to God because all sins are rebellion against Him and a trespass against His holiness. We confess to God not only because we are commanded to, that we may be in fellowship, but also so that we may be humbled before God rightfully acknowledging His complete sovereignty even if we don't understand it. And this isn't necessarily a general request of forgiveness as a blanket to cover our sins at the end of the day, week, month, year, or lifetime. The proper application here is that we confess every sin we know. We acknowledge our evil against the Almighty because we cannot bear to be removed from His fellowship. 

And what is the result of this confession? It is that our sins are forgiven because He is faithful and just to do so and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This isn't concerning the sacrifice of Christ directly as a matter of salvation but those whom the blood has been applied. God is just in forgiving their sins because justice was already served upon Christ and His righteousness covers the believer who has been made alive in spirit and can come before the throne of God in prayer. The unconverted have no part in this due to the fact that they are dead in their trespasses and sins. They have not been drawn to Christ and His blood not applied on their behalf. This is how we know that God is faithful and just, because He does forgive the sins of His children when we confess and repent because the absence of His presence, that of the Holy Spirit during this life, is a great grievance for us. Thus His cleansing us is necessary time and time again until this body dies to the curse and our spirits can enjoy the true presence of our Savior in Glory. 

Dear children of the living God, do not be weary when we fail our Father. In His love and mercy He has provided a way of reconciliation and it is that we confess our sins to Him and He will forgive and cleanse us by giving us repentance from the sins and a heart that loves Him and His commands. What a mighty and wonderful God!

Consider also: Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 32