"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).
When an Old Testament believer brought a sin offering to God's altar, he laid his hand on the creature's head, confessed aloud his sins, and then, after receiving the knife from the priest, he sacrificed the animal.
From this practice, we learn that our sins slayed a Sacrifice too -Jesus, on His cross. We also learn that godly people throughout history have confessed their sins before God. These people took sin seriously and wanted sin removed from them.
The confession of sin today, whether spoken aloud with others in worship services or spoken privately in personal prayer, also demonstrates that New Testament godly people sincerely believe that God, for Jesus' sake, desires to grant forgiveness... "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).
The hymn writer Isaac Watts described this picture of Jesus Christ:
"My faith would lay its hand on that dear head of Thine,
While as a penitent I stand, And there confess my sin."
Hymn: "Not All the Blood of Beasts"
May God move us to behave as godly people, confessing our sins with our "hands" of faith resting on the head of Jesus. May He enable us to realize that He was slain for our forgiveness!
-Dale
Thanks Dale!
Jody
Thank you Dale!!
How humbling it is to know, despite the efforts I try, I keep on sinning.
How comforting it is to know, our Lord and Savior is loving and forgiving.
With a bowed head, and repentant heart,
He allows us, another start.
Cleansing us with His precious blood,
washing away our sins, like a flood.
May He receive our praises and our worship, for all of His giving,
From the death of the cross, to the resurrection of His current living.
Praise be to our King of kings, and Lord of lords,
Jesus Christ, the same today, and forever more!!!!
God Bless,
David B.
Yes and Amen! Thank you , guys :cross2:
Thanks Dale. What a great message for us all to remember
Good job guys!