Clean!

Clean!

1 John 1:9 AMP

[9] If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

As always, eyewitness testimony, or personal experience, is the best form of evidence of any position. That has been the position of the law for quite some time. How can anyone speak quite passionately about something of which there is no personal experience? John who wrote this letter presented his credentials using the words below:  I am writing about what existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life, the One who existed even before the beginning of the world, Christ, and the Life was manifested, and we have seen it as eyewitnesses, and testify and declare to you the eternal Life who was with the Father and was made visible to us. Reflect on the confidence and assurance that this personal encounter with the Word of Life gave to John. 

John went on to then boldly declare that: 'what we have seen and heard we also proclaim to you, so that you too may have fellowship [as partners] with us'. There is undeniable power in personal experience. It is very important that any discussion about impact and direction starts from this premise which is that I can only give that which I have, or I can only pour from that which has been filled. How do I boldy declare a truth that is not yet real to me? When the pressure to blend in or compromise comes, strength to stand can only come from a conviction and assurance that I know the One who is called the Word of God. The Word of God lays down so many truths that only constant exposure will help me understand and apply to my daily life. One of these truths is the fact that I am human and born into sin, and it is only by the blood of Jesus that sin is completely atoned for. 

When dealing with God, there is no room for pretence. He wants me to come as I am for His help, but He will definitely not leave me as I am. As I come to Him, I seek His help for that which I cannot do by myself, which is to live above sin. Sin is my human nature, and no power of this human nature can help me overcome sin, because that will be one nature fighting itself. I need the help of the One who overcame sin. I must not pretend to be anything else other than helpless, so that I can access His power. I admit I need help, and ask Him to help me. He gives me the forgiveness I need, and takes away the guilt that sin thrives on. He cleans me up, taking away the stain of sin, and giving me the will and desire to pursue His will. Indeed, He takes me as I am, but He will never leave me as I am. He definitely can, and wants to change lives; would you surrender yours to Him? God's time of favour is here.