(philstar.com) Updated March 03, 2012
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
Hijackers terrorized the passengers aboard an Indian Airlines jet
for 8 days. Then, on December 31, 1999, the gunmen issued a final
demand before releasing their hostages. “Sorry, but everyone has to say
that I am forgiven,” said the hijacker codenamed “Burger.” When the
disbelieving passengers stared back at him, he ordered them to say, “I
forgive you.” After hearing the words, the hijackers disappeared into
the desert.
Not many of us would be so arrogant as to insist that someone
forgive us. And we certainly wouldn’t demand that of God. Why? Because
most people sense that His mercy and pardon can be received only by
a humble, sincere, and repentant heart.
The apostle John wrote, “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). The word translated “confess” means “to speak the same
thing or agree with.” When we confess our sins to God, we agree with
Him about our sin, our need to be cleansed, and our need to forgive
others who have wronged us (Matt. 6:15). We cry out, “Pardon me!”
None of us is truly free without forgiveness. We need God’s, and others need ours. — David McCasland
Forgive me, O Lord, for all of my sin,
Please make my heart pure and cleanse me within;
Confessing to You when I have done wrong,
Restore now my joy — to You I belong. — Fitzhugh
READ: 1 John 1:5-2:10
Confession is the key that opens the door to forgiveness.
The Bible in one year:
• Joshua 13-15
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