A Christian Confesses His Sins

There is a false teaching making the rounds that a Christian cannot sin and hence, does not have to confess any sins because Christ has nailed all sins on the cross  of Calvary. If that is so, then we have to rip off all the related Scriptures about believers confessing their sins right from Jesus’ teachings to the apostles. We have been positionally saved from sin, we are being progressively saved from sin, and finally, we shall be perfectly saved from sin. We are God’s work in progress.

Paul says in Philippians 2:12‭-‬13 (NKJV) that,

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

We have been discussing the subject of assurance of salvation from 1 John. Assurance of salvation helps you to examine yourself whether you are a believer or not. 

Our test for today is: what is your attitude towards sin?

1 John 1:8-10 says,

“8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

In the text above, John the apostle describes two kinds of people – the one who denies sin and the one who acknowledges and confesses his sin before God. Our attitude towards sin shows if we are believers or not. Note that kept using if we say, meaning he was writing to believers.

#1. People Who Deny Sin. (1:8, 10)

If We Say. The first thing we learn about this group of people is that they say they ‘have no sin’ and ‘have not sinned’. The false teachings in that age (called Gnosticism) was that they had perfect knowledge and hence do not sin. They denied sin.

We Deceive Ourselves. John says people who deny sin deceive themselves and the truth of God is not in them. It means they are not saints of Christ saved by grace. They live in a state of deception.

We Make God A Liar. People who say they have not sinned, make God a liar and His word is not in them. They deny God’s teaching that believers still struggle with sin and when they confess they are forgiven. The Bible says let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4).

We can confidently say that these people who deny sin in their lives are not believers at all. They are not in Christ. They are rather dead in their sins.

#2. People Who Confess Sin. (1:9)

If We Confess Our Sins. These people know that they are still in this fallen world with sin active. Thus, they confess their sins when they fall short of the glory of God. Like King David in Psalm 51, when they sin, they come mourning before God and confessing their sins.

God Forgives Our Sins. When they confess, God is faithful and just to forgive them their sins. God does not turn them away but rather hears their cry for mercy and forgives them. When David came crying to the Lord, he was forgiven. His wicked sin of adultery and murder was eternally forgiven him. There is no sin bigger than God’s mercy and forgiveness.

God Cleanses Our Sins. The text says not only does He forgive us but He also cleanses us from all unrighteousness. God washes us with water by the word (Ephesians 5:25-27). The blood of Christ washes us (John 1:29).

It’s important the believer knows that he has no relationship with sin. We are not trapped in sin like the unbelievers who the god of this world is deceiving. We have been saved from the power of sin but if anyone sins, repents, and comes to God, He hears our cry for mercy, forgives us and cleanses us from unrighteousness.

Do you deny sin in your life or admit it? Share your thoughts on this topic.