LEARNING DAILY

 

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.

 

Here is another reaction to a current event that has been all over the internet and some news stations. It is positive current event for a change! You have probably seen the video of a Little League game where the pitcher from one team hit an opposing player in the head with a wild pitch. The batter immediately fell to the ground but was able to go to first base; he was not hurt. When the batter got to first base, he looked at the pitcher who was obviously very emotional over what had happened. That is when the unexpected happened. The hit batter left first base, went to the pitcher, and hugged him to let him know he was okay. That was pretty neat, right!?

 

I have a thought that you might be like me and have done some things that you were not too proud of, that caused you to feel really bad about after you gave your life to Jesus Christ. Like the Little League pitcher, I have done stupid things that have caused me to be emotional about my behavior when I call myself a Christian. Some times I have needed the person I offended to just give me a hug and tell me everything was okay. Even more I need my Savior to let me know that He has forgiven me. That is why I cling to the verse from 1 John. I have written a number of times about it;  just like the hit batter who went to the pitcher to tell all was well.

 

This verse is not a license to do whatever we want and then ask for forgiveness. Jesus said that the narrow way to His kingdom would be a difficult way. After our salvation occurs, we fight continually against the old self, our old way of life continues to tempt us. Unfortunately, we give in too often. Jesus knew this would happen because you and I are weak. When we give in and sin, we must admit our sins and seek God’s forgiveness and His purification. We are reconciled to God through His forgiveness. The Lord Jesus Christ sits at the Father’s right hand and is our Advocate before Him when the devil accuses us of our wrong doing(s). Because the Lord Jesus reminds the Father that you and I are saved and cleansed of sin because of His blood, God forgives our wrong doing (sin). He then purifies us by removing the guilt and power of sin from us in order for us to live lives of holiness.

 

You and I are cleansed of sin when we are saved through the blood of Jesus. However, there is an ongoing need to confess our sins, be forgiven, and experience the cleansing God brings to our lives. Consider having an argument with a friend. If it is not resolved, a barrier can be established between the two of you which cause difficulty with the friendship. That barrier needs to be taken down to reestablish the friendship. It is the same concept when we sin. A barrier is established between us and God when we sin; it is always our fault. The need to breakdown the barrier to establish our relationship with Him is done through confession of what we did. Each of us has experienced that terrible feeling when we caused a barrier to be established. We also know the tremendous feeling of being cleansed and that of being restored. For me, it is knowing that my Savior and Lord has come to me, given me a hug, and told me everything is okay!