Tuesday, June 14, 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 (2)
Every Sunday we confess in the Creed: "I BELIEVE in the forgiveness of sins." Yes, the precious gift of forgiveness is not something to be earned or merited, but simply believed.
When a devout Martin Luther went to Rome as a pilgrim in 1510, seven years before he posted the 95 Theses, he undertook to climb the "holy stairs" in St. Peter's Cathedral on his knees. According to one report, halfway up he thought he heard a voice saying, "The righteous will live by faith" (Romans 1:17).
The young monk wondered: "How foolish am I to be climbing these steps to obtain forgiveness when all the time God wants to forgive me, and I am only to believe this!" Well, Luther climbed no further, but went down to ponder what the voice had said.
Yes, full and free forgiveness in and through Jesus Christ is ours by faith alone. Yet as our text reminds, one who truly believes will freely confess his or her sins.
Lord, to You I make confession: I have sinned and gone astray.
I have multiplied transgression, Chosen for myself my way.
Led by You to see my errors, Lord, I tremble at Your terrors.
Lord, on You I cast my burden--Sink it in the deepest sea!
Let me know Your gracious pardon, Cleanse me from iniquity.
Let Your Spirit leave me never; Make me only Yours forever.
(Lutheran Service Book, 608:1, 4)
