God's Way Of Dealing With Sin

Sin is the fundamental cause of all that is wrong in our world.

1. THE TRANSFORMATION AVAILABLE TO US

i) '...to forgive us...'(v9)

Forgiveness is remission of punishment due to sins and the deliverance of the one committing the sins from the penalty and judgement of God due upon them for their sin. Nothing can now be laid upon the person of an incriminating nature.

The word for forgive also means 'to send away' - see Leviticus 16:21

ii) '...to cleanse us...'(v9)

Sin has a defiling character and needs to be dealt with - either in us, being damned in hell, or in the Person and substitutionary work of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way.

2. THE CONDITION ANNOUNCED TO US

i) Essence Of Confession

Acknowledgement of our sin to the Lord - not to a preacher, priest or body of men.

ii) Examples Of Confession

7 examples in the Bible where we have the words, 'I have sinned.'-

Pharaoh,Balaam,Saul,Achan,Job,Judas,Prodigal Son

3. THE DECLARATION THAT IS ASSURING TO US

Am I not too wicked for God to take me? No!

'..He is faithful and just..' (v9)

i) "Faithful" - He will keep His Word. Remember Matt 28:6

' He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.'

He kept His promise!

ii) "Just" - an attribute of God. The Lord Jesus is called the 'Just One' in Acts 7:52; 22:14

Concerning sins: 'whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.' (Proverbs 28:13)

Will you do so NOW in the confidence that He is faithful and just?