As we noted yesterday, there are things which may be done and done with, while there are others which must be acknowledged as ongoing. We considered how this is the way it is with forgiveness; not a one-time act, but an attitude willing to continue in it. Such an attitude keeps the door open for moving on. Today, let us consider another ongoing reality.
In the humble acknowledgement of our imperfection and the need of the cleansing power of the blood of our Lord (i.e. Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7), we must remain honest regarding sin’s ongoing challenge. John wrote. . .
“(8) If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10 ESV)
Though confession — acknowledging sin for what it is — is an act, it is not something done only once. Anytime we have missed the mark where God desires us to aim and find ourselves out of step with His Will, it needs to be confessed; duly acknowledged. As we consider our relationship with God, the acknowledgement of sin should give rise to a godly sorrow that does not just leave us there but moves us toward the repentance that leads to salvation. (2 Corinthians 7:10) This is an ongoing attitude compelling us to continue turning away from sin and back to God to continue walking with Him in accordance with His Will.
The acknowledgement to feed this ongoing attitude is the encouragement we have that in Christ we have the sufficient help we need. Having noted the faithfulness of God to forgive and cleanse from all unrighteousness, John went on to state. . .
“(1) My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (2) He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2 ESV)
As Jesus, our Advocate, continues interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34), let us continue maintaining an ongoing willingness to confess what is not right and turn from it. This will allow us to continue moving on from being slaves to sin to being slaves to God and righteousness. (Romans 6:16-18) May a repentant attitude remain so that God and His Will retains mastery over our life!
Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING GOD’S WAY AND CONTINUALLY TURNING TO WALK IN IT!
Carl
