God is Faithful to Forgive
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Sep 30, 2024
- 2 min read
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 that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:9-10)
Confession isn't done in booths with priests each time we mess up. It’s called to be a private time before us and God. We should regularly acknowledge His leading and our failings and adjust our lives to be more in line and in tune with His will and Word.
The Greek word homologeo used in this passage means to acknowledge or confess. Acknowledging our sins to God is crucial because it aligns us with His will and reminds us of our identity in Christ.
The good news is that we know about God’s character through Scripture and His interactions with us. God is not vengeful or wrathful against us. He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. To cleanse doesn’t mean that He forgets or washes it a bit. It means He entirely obliterates your sin from existence. It’s not just that He treats us as though we never sinned. He erases it from history.
This promise is directed to believers, assuring us that God can be counted on to forgive us when we confess our sins. His faithfulness means He will always keep His promises, and His justice means He will forgive us in a way consistent with His holy nature.
This forgiveness is not just a removal of guilt but a complete cleansing from all unrighteousness. It allows God to manifest His greater power in our lives—in our bodies, families, finances, and every aspect of our lives because we become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. So, you should walk in your righteousness, not in guilt or condemnation.
Practical Application
We all make mistakes. We all miss it from time to time. Be quick to repent and ask God for a fresh view of who you are. See yourself how God sees you. Believe in God’s promise to forgive and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Trust that He is faithful and just and that His forgiveness is complete.
