Confession of sins

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us (1 John 1:9-10)

We have already admitted that we have sins in verse 8 (of this chapter). To say otherwise is to deny the truth – all are sinners (Isaiah 53:6; Rom. 3:10-19, 23). What do we do after acknowledging our sinfulness in the sight of God?

If we confess our sins…

1. We are to confess our sins before God
2. In confessing our sins in the sight of God, we simply
   1. Acknowledge our sins for what they really are
   2. Treat our sins in light of God’s point of view
   3. Hate our sins as God does
3. We consciously and continuously admit that we are sinners standing in need of divine forgiveness and cleansing

He is faithful and just…

1. There is no denying the fact that God is faithful and just (Cf. 2 Tim. 2:13)
2. That God is faithful means
   1. Whatever God says is true and trustworthy
   2. Whatever God promises will come true
   3. Whatever God utters will accomplish its purposes
3. That God is just means
   1. Whatever God does is right and righteous
   2. Whatever God administers and how He does is good and beautiful
4. God being faithful and just will surely forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness
   1. He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us
   2. He is faithful and just for our own good

His word…in us

1. God has forgiven us of our original sin on the account of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross (Rom.6:23)
2. God forgives us of our actual sins every time we treat them in the light of God’s perspective (See also, Matt.5:29-30)
3. God cleanses us from all unrighteousness as we continuously consciously seek to walk in the light

This is how we are to keep God’s word. This is also how God’s word is evidenced in us! Only then, would we not end up making God a liar.