A Big If

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John1:9

A big if, a humongous if. Maybe the most important if ever written. If you can't respond to the if, then the rest of the verse is superfluous. Doesn't make any difference. For the sake of illustration let's rewrite this key verse so that we can sense what we miss if we can't by the if.

So, if we don't confess our sins, He can't be faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Wow, how could anyone miss this? If you don't believe your sins condemns you. If you decide to not respond to the generous and gracious offer to confess, then we choose to not receive His forgiveness. I have a hard time imagining that anyone would do this, but I know they do. Think about how often we are given opportunities that we miss out on, because of pride or laziness, avoidance or rebellion. We all know we can defiantly decide to do wrong things and make terrible decisions. But, this particular decision to seek forgiveness is so very, very important. You see, God has given us the choice and we must choose. And not to decide is to decide. We all must at some point in our life make a decision about Jesus, one way or the other. God will give each human an opportunity somehow. He doesn't want any to perish, but allows us to accept or reject. Ignorance cannot be our excuse about what matters most. He is promising that if we will decide, then He will take care of the rest. What an amazing gift. I am so blessed to be able to choose to respond. No ifs, ands or buts about it. I confess, He is faithful and just to forgive me all my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. A wonderful blessing to accept, believe and claim.

Surrender to this truth again today. A fresh start is just a sincere decision away. No wonder His mercies are renewed every morning because of promises like this one. I want to know His forgiveness and to experience His justness and faithfulness and to feel that cleansing that only He can promise, offer and fulfill. Say yes to Him. It is totally your choice to receive.

In Him,
Pastor Fred

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