By Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
We live in a world of barriers. We erect fences between ourselves and people we don’t want to talk with. Some of these are good, built for our safety. Others should come down because they keep us so insulated that we don’t effectively reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What is the greatest barrier between us and God? Is it His omniscience (He is all-knowing) when we are limited in knowledge? Or could it be that He is omnipresent (He can be anywhere He chooses) and we are limited to only one place at a time, with clear boundaries we are unable to cross? Perhaps it is His omnipotence, while we are relatively puny. Or is it His eternality compared to our relatively new arrival in time?
No, the greatest barrier between a holy God and a sinful man is our sin. Isaiah 59:2 nails it: ‘But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.’
Against that backdrop, our text today is truly a great comfort!
The verse before it indicates that some deny their sinfulness and in so doing, fool themselves. The verse after it indicates that some deny their sinfulness and in so doing, make God out to be a liar. The better way to handle our sin is to confess it.
To confess means to agree with God. Rather than wish it away, we face up to it and admit it. ‘Lord, You are right. I was wrong when I _____________.’
To those who will do this, two wonderful promises are given, based on two magnificent qualities of the Lord. Our faithful and righteous Lord promises forgiveness and cleansing.
Forgiveness means to send away. The Lord says in Hebrews 10:17, ‘And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.’ Forgiveness is a choice not to bring it up and throw it in our face or hold it against us.
Cleansing washes away the dirt. Think of washing laundry, washing dishes, and taking a shower. The dirt is gone.
What is it that cleanses us of our sin? Two verses earlier we read this truth: ‘the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’
Is there any sin you need to admit to the Lord today? He knows it stands as a barrier between you and Him, and you know it too. Why not just come clean, agree with the Lord, and replace that guilty feeling with faith in His promise to apply His shed blood to that sin, forgiving you and cleansing you forever of that sin.
Father, thank You for sending Your sinless Son to shed His blood and deal with my sin once for all. Thank You that You stand eager to forgive me and cleanse me each time I confess my sins to You. Help me to enjoy the guilt-free, joyous life You offer. With this barrier gone, thank You for the blessing of sweet fellowship with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
This message was written by Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church.