Friday, June 17, 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 (5)
God expects us to confess our sins, not only with the lips, but from the heart, amending our life.
Think of the tax collector Zacchaeus. After confessing his sin, he promised to repay fourfold what he had stolen from anyone (Luke 19). So we also will want to set matters right with those we have sinned against. As Jesus says, "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift..." (Matthew 5:2ff).
During the worship service the pastor (quoting David in another psalm) says, "I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord." The congregation responds, "And You forgave the iniquity of my sin" (Psalm 32).
The tax collector in the temple confessed with a penitent heart, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." As we do the same, we know that "If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
I, a sinner, come to Thee With a penitent confession.
Savior, mercy show to me; Grant for all my sins remission.
Let these words my soul relieve: Jesus sinners doth receive.
Now my conscience is at peace; From the Law I stand acquitted.
Christ hath purchased my release And my ev'ry sin remitted.
Naught remains my soul to grieve: Jesus sinners doth receive.
(Lutheran Service Book, 609:4, 6)
