Truth

Truth

If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.

1 John 1:8-9

Whenever we see the word if, we must look closely to see what follows. In these verses, we see that if we deny that we are sinful, two things are true: (1) we are fooling ourselves; (2) we refuse to accept the truth. Simply put, if I refuse to admit my sin, I call God a liar and I lie. Before I can make any progress on a problem (whether it’s anger, gossip, impatience, etc.), I must be honest with myself and with God.

God’s Word teaches us that being truthful about our sin leads to hope. If instead of denying our sin we choose to confess it to God, two things happen: God forgives us and purifies us. He not only takes away the blame and grants a pardon in its place, but he also frees us and makes us clean.

The Old Testament character Jacob tricked his father and stole his brother Esau’s birthright. When his blind earthly father, Isaac, asked him, “What is your name?” he lied and said that he was Esau so his father would give him an earthly blessing. Later, when Jacob was alone, afraid, and seeking God’s protection, God his heavenly Father asked him, “What is your name?” This time, he responded truthfully with “Jacob,” meaning deceiver. When he responded with the truth, God gave him a new name—Israel—and a heavenly blessing.

That gives us hope. When we respond truthfully to God, he gives us a new name—as his redeemed child—and the heavenly blessing of forgiveness as well.

Father,

Thank you for your patience with us. Thank you that when we are honest about our sin and confess it to you, you forgive us and cleanse us. We will offer you praise through all eternity because you paid for our sins with your blood. Amen.