1 John 1:9 

New International Version (NIV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness

For Meditation

Sometimes sin overwhelms us, and its guilt becomes oppressive. It mutes our voice and saps our strength. We’re bereft of confidence, as the fear of being discovered terrorizes and cripples us. But to every child of God is this assurance from our Savior: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9). It’s a promise of mercy and grace that embraced on Calvary cross for our sake.

The beauty of grace is that God does not hold the sins of the penitent soul against them (Rm. 8:1). He freely forgives and cleanses them from all unrighteousness for the restoration of fellowship with them (1 Jn. 1:9). David celebrates this gracious kindness of God in Psalms 32 and calls on every unfaithful person to cry out in repentance for the same favor (6). We have this forgiveness freely in Christ, who has become our intercessor before the Father (Rm. 8:34). We have to assure ourselves of this and take hold of His faithful hand for our spiritual liberty.

The Prodigal Son apprehended this truth, and came home to a waiting and welcoming father, and to a joyful celebration (Lk. 15:22-24). Our Father in heaven is waiting for us also with arms wide open.

1. So, what are you waiting for?
2. Why are you hiding from Him?
3. Can anyone escape His Ever-presence (Ps. 139:7-11)?
4. Can’t you feel your bones wasting away through your groaning? Can’t you feel His heavy hand on you, daily sapping all your strength away? (Ps. 32:3-4)?
5. Why don’t you acknowledge your sin to God and stop covering and rationalizing it?

I pray you will be encouraged by God’s promise to the remnant of Israel in Zephaniah 3:17, personalize it, and be assured of eternal bliss in His presence.

“The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”

 May you be overwhelmed by God’s ever-flowing grace His love has bestowed on you in Christ; and may He “rejoice over you with singing,” because you have come back home to full fellowship.

Shalom