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
Forgiven and clean. Today’s verse is one of the most comforting in the whole Bible. Did you ever work hard outdoors and come into your home sweaty and dirty? How good it feels to take a shower after a day like that! Sin stains the soul, the personality, and relationships. How wonderful, through Jesus, sin is forgiven and the relationship with the Heavenly Father is restored!
Sin, any action that is contrary to the will of God, is ultimately bad for you, your community, and your country. Sin not only damages earthly relationships, but it also separates a person from the most wonderful, loving, powerful Being in the universe.
A common definition of grace is “unmerited favor.” But it is so much more than that. God’s grace in Christ not only cleanses and forgives, but it also empowers a believer to refrain from sin and do those things that please Him. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” The late Joe McIntyre, the founder of Empowering Grace, wrote, “Grace is more than God’s good will toward us. It is His willingness to do in us and for us that which we could never do on our own.”
Keep an open and pure heart before God by confessing your sin and receiving His forgiveness and cleansing. Pray that believers in this country will access God’s grace to do His will in such a way that it would encourage citizens and elected officials to seek and serve God in Christ.
Today’s Verse: 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
