Last week we examined the horrific results of covering our sin. Our society views the acknowledgment of sin as an admission of weakness. Which indeed it is. However, culture today views this weakness as a bad thing. Sadly, failure to acknowledge, confess, and forsake sin leads to immense guilt and shame. Further, the more we sin, the more we become ingrained in our sin through the searing of our conscience.

However, God views our acknowledgment and confession of sin entirely differently. We do not need to live in shame or fear. Instead, God gives an extraordinary promise to all who come to Him in faith. In 1 John 1:9, John informs us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This amazing promise transforms lives as we understand it.

First, we must understand some important terms. Sometimes, what comes to mind is the Roman Catholic confession when we think of confession. This practice of absolution stands contrary to the Word of God. This word means more than simply admitting we are sinners, but taking full responsibility, laying them before God’s feet, and seeking forgiveness. This confession involves repentance from our sin—a change of heart and an about-face in life.

When we confess our sin to God, He makes two crucial promises. First, we learn that God forgives us. Yet, John states it magnificently. God is faithful to forgive us. God’s forgiveness reveals God’s faithfulness. God does not forget his children. He does not turn his back on his children. Instead, God rejoices in showing his faithfulness to His children by forgiving them when they come to him in faith. Further, God is just or righteous to do this. It is right that God forgives us. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross means that no sinner is so far gone that God will not save them.

God does not want you to clean yourself up before coming to Him. God invites you into His presence so that He can forgive your sin. And it is right that he does this. Yet, he also cleanses us from unrighteousness. He removes the dirtiness of sin. He removes the guilt of our sin. And he makes us righteous. As you consider your life today, you do not need to live with the intense guilt plaguing many people. God invites you into His presence to find grace and forgiveness through the blood of the cross.