The consequences for Israelite’s disobedience were dire. But if they confessed and if their hearts were humbled, then God remembered and kept his covenant with them (see Leviticus 26).
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).
We often overlook confession. Perhaps we live unaware of our sins. Maybe we think if we don’t talk about them, God will not notice. We probably don’t realize how absolutely bad sin is. But the consequences of sin are dire. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (Psalm 66:18 NLT). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
Click here for a Prayer Guide on Praying to a Forgiving God.
Pray this way: “Make me know my transgression and my sin” (Job 13:23).
Then confess the sin that comes to mind. “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).
Guilty, you enter God’s throne room. Jesus sits beside our Father, pleading for you. His sacrifice atoned for your sin. The Holy Spirit is also there, praying for you, with groans that can’t be expressed in words.
You rise up, forgiven! (from 1 John 2:1-2; Romans 8:26; I John 1:9)
Start talking to God. He loves you and wants a relationship with you.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness ( 1 John 1:9).
Intercession is often associated with agonizing entreaty or tearful supplication. It is sometimes conceived as an endeavor to overcome the reluctance of God. But God does not have to be coaxed into granting a divine blessing.
With Christ as our advocate, we approach God to claim the justice we are entitled to because of His sacrifice.*
God is faithful and just and will forgive us (1 John 1:9).
*adapted from J. Oswald Sanders, The Incomparable Christ, p. 346.
Tell God you agree with what He says about sin.
Sometimes you’ll have to say, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me. I don’t want to do that again. I need your help.”
Bonus thought: God is love. We confess. He forgives (from 1 John 4:16; 1:9).
A Blog on Prayer 