The way to receive God’s forgiveness

READ: 1 Chronicles 23, 24; Proverbs 28; Acts. 1

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 28: 13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

OBSERVATION: Many people would readily agree that they are not saints but sinners. However, they all do not confess their sins. From the first man Adam, humans try to hide/cover/conceal their sins from God (and others). Unless they are confronted about their wrongdoings or sins, people usually do not confess it. We have seen and know the ways—lies, blaming others, avoiding any moral responsibility, justifying their mistakes, creating sympathy, tears, saying excuses, and maintaining secrecy— that people use to cover their sins. The Bible sternly warns such people that they will not prosper. In Psalm 32, David expresses his pain and agony of hiding his sins (Ps.32:3,4). Until David acknowledged and confessed his transgressions, he was not able to experience God’s forgiveness. In Ps.32:1-2, David sings about the blessedness of God’s forgiveness and joy. We may conceal something from other men but cannot hide anything from the Lord. He knows and sees everything.

Let us carefully look at the second part of Pro.28:13. Here it says that “the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” For the forgiveness of sins/transgressions/iniquities, one needs to confess and renounce his/her sins. Some people say, “to err is human, so I did,” or “God’s laws and expectations are too high to practice,” or “it is ok to do this and that nowadays.” So they don’t want to renounce their sins; instead, they say excuses. Although they know it is wrong, they do not want to come out of it for various worldly reasons. When a person sins, he sins against God (Ps.51:3, 4). When we confess and renounce our sins, we identify ourselves with God; When we acknowledge our sins, Jesus advocates for us with the Father (1 Jn.2:1). Our confession must be genuine and without any hypocrisy.  Many fear that confession of their sins would spoil their image, so they are reluctant to do it. However, the Bible tells many stories in which people found God’s mercy and forgiveness when they confessed their sins to God. “No sin is too big for God to forgive.” Instead of allowing our past sins to torment and tear our inner-man and peaceful life, we can humbly confess them before God and find his mercies. When we confess and renounce our sins, the blood of Jesus purifies us from every sin and all unrighteousness; we begin to taste God’s forgiveness and love.

APPLICATION: I cannot conceal anything from my God. Nothing is hidden from him. Confessing my sins is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it is the way to get God’s strength to overcome my weaknesses. I will not hesitate to come before God. With Jesus atoning sacrifice, I can boldly come before God to receive his forgiveness. “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered...you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Ps.32:1,5).

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for your provision to forgive my sins. Jesus, thank you for your atoning sacrifice.  Lord, you are my hiding place. My God, “See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Amen.

 - Arputharaj Samuel

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