The “ifs” of certainty

Saturday 23 September 2023

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 “ifs” of certainty

In this section of his letter, the apostle John uses the little word “if” three times :

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves (verse 8.).

If we say we have no sin we make him a liar (verse 10).

If we confess our sins, God forgives us and cleanses us (verse 9).

On the other hand, it is clearly stated that without confession there is neither forgiveness of our sins nor sanctification. Confessing sins is a very difficult process because, first, you have to recognize them.

In the book of Proverbs it is written that all the ways of a man are right in his eyes, but he who weighs the hearts is the Eternal (Proverbs 21:2). David, for his part, wrote in Psalm 19 : Who knows his errors ? Forgive me those I ignore (Psalm 19:13). The apostle Paul is also aware that it is not his own judgment of who he is or what he does that is important (1 Corinthians 4:3-4).

Our judgments or assessments of our lives can lead us into sinful error, depriving us of God's forgiveness as well as the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

Jack Mouyon

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Proposed reading : Gospel according to Luke chapter 15, verses 11 to 32.

Source (Living Today)