Vital signs- Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

‭‭I John‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭NKJV‬

Not only is belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior a prerequisite to receiving God’s forgiveness, but so is confession and repentance of sin. Acknowledgement of sin is necessary because if we do not believe we sin, then we will not recognize our need for a Savior to forgive us of our sin.  God’s promise is that when we confess, He forgives us and cleanses us of all sin and unrighteousness. Not most sin, but all sin. Not some unrighteousness, but all unrighteousness.  Past, present, and future sin has been forgiven and cleansed by our faithful and merciful Lord. 

What sin are you still clinging to? Just as belief in Jesus Christ is necessary to receive forgiveness, belief that Jesus completed the work of forgiveness on the cross is also necessary in order to walk in victory. Satan would have us doubt God’s promises, but we must cling to God’s truth regardless of our feelings. What God has done cannot be undone.  

Father God, I thank You for Jesus’ completed work on the cross. I thank You that I am eternally secure in Your promises even when I doubt them.  Help me to remember Your merciful forgiveness of my sin when I am confronted with the sin of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.