Confess and Be Cleansed

1 John 1:9 (NKJV) – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

First John was written to dispel doubts – and build assurance – by presenting a clear picture of Jesus Christ. Around the time John wrote this letter, false teachers had entered the church. They denied the incarnation of Christ. They not only denied that sin breaks our fellowship with God – and that we all have a sinful nature – but they also denied their conduct involved any sin. That was a lie that ignored one of the biggest universal truths: All people – you and me – are sinners by nature and practice.

At conversion, all our sins are forgiven – past, present, and future. Yet, even after we become Christ’s followers, we continue to sin and therefore need to continually confess. This kind of confession is not offered to gain God’s acceptance. Instead, it helps remove the barrier to fellowship that our sins have placed between us and Him.

It’s not always easy to admit our mistakes, faults, and shortcomings, even to God. Pride prevents that. It takes a whole lot of grace – with humility and honesty – to recognise our weaknesses. But there’s no point in holding back our confession. Do you know why? Because our Heavenly Father already knows what we’ve done.

The enemy might be telling you that God will push you away, or reject you because of your sin. But the truth is: there is nothing you can do that will cause God to push you away. Our God is a God of pursuit. He will pursue you and draw you unto Himself.