Wednesday, June 15, 2016
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness....
THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS--THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT (3)
The sins of all people have been atoned for by the perfect life and work of Jesus Christ. But not everyone receives the forgiveness Christ has paid for on their behalf.
On the basis of our text, Dr. Luther explains in his Catechism: "There are two parts to confession. One is that we confess our sins. The other is that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from a fellow Christian as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that our sins are forgiven in this way before our heavenly Father."
Before absolution or forgiveness is pronounced, confession is to be made. The story is told of a prince who visited a prison with the intent of freeing one of the prisoners. He spoke to each prisoner, asking why the prisoner was incarcerated. One after another they offered excuses for their crimes. Finally, the prince came to one who frankly confessed his guilt. The prince released THAT man!
Even so God deals with us, as John writes: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us....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).
Since we cannot remember all our sins, we confess with penitent King David: "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults" (Psalm 19:12).
Because our sinful nature wants to hide our sins, Scripture warns: "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
O Lord, my God, to Thee I pray: O cast me not in wrath away!
Let Thy good Spirit ne'er depart, But let Him draw to Thee my heart
That truly penitent I be: O God, be merciful to me!
O Jesus, let Thy precious blood Be to my soul a cleansing flood.
Turn not, O Lord, Thy guest away, But grant that justified I may
Go to my house at peace with Thee: O God, be merciful to me!
(Lutheran Service Book, 613:2-3)
