Forgiven!

Forgiven

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].

Again, we read from the letter of John, one of the disciples/early apostles, who took the gospel of Jesus as far as grace would let them. It is always important to consider the story or background of these people, so we would understand why they wrote the way they did, or speak the way they did. John was there at the crucifixion of Jesus, and he saw firsthand what love made Jesus sacrifice for us. He is called John the Beloved for a reason which becomes obvious as we consider the introduction to his letter. He wrote from the perspective of someone who had a front row seat to all that Jesus was and did while He was on earth. 

That is the power of a witness who has a firsthand experience of what he is talking about. John made it clear that he was writing about the One who existed from the beginning, and all that he had heard, seen with his eyes, as well as looked at and touched with his hands. What could be greater than this experience? Do I have this personal touch? Does God reckon that I know Him? This is where Jesus wants all of us to be. He wants to reveal Himself to us on an individual basis, but we have to cooperate with Him. He does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. 

This is what gives me great power, but also with awesome responsibilities that must keep me in constant awareness of the coming seasons of judgment and accountability. As He does not force Himself on anyone, this is a step I have to take in full consciousness of its impact and consequences. To freely admit that I have sinned is to embrace my humanity and weakness, knowing that I cannot save myself from the power of sin. I must also take the step of confession of sin, which is a sign that I know what I have done wrong, and I know that He alone can save me. I can be open and honest with God; after all, what can  I hide from Him in the first place? 

I go to the One who can help me overcome sin permanently; not just for a season. He is a faithful God, and He does not go back on His word. If He says I am forgiven, indeed, I am. If He says all my past guilt is washed away, then I am. If He says He is faithful, just and true to His own nature and promises, and He  will forgive and cleanse me from all wrongdoing and unrighteousness. He is the only One who can make and keep such a promise. It also has a deeper impact: what He promises has eternal consequences too. He will sort out the earthly, and also guarantee the eternal. That is what His work in me leads to. I need Him. He wants to work in and on us. Would you let Him? God's time of favour is here.