Today’s Bible Reading
1 John 1:5-10
5 This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship [friendship] with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in our lives.
Applying God’s Word in My Life:
1. What do the metaphors “light” and “darkness” represent? What does “God is light” mean? (v.5).
2. What does it mean for you to “walk in the light”? (v.7). How does walking in the light relate to your relatiosnhip with God? (v.6).
3. What does it mean to “confess our sins”? (v.9). What is the promise in verse 9? How are you purified from all sin and unrighteousness? (vv.7,9).
Today’s Key Verse:
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
44
The Eraser Of Confession
SinceJoseph Dixon (1827–1869) invented the pencil, the only real change in its design has been the addition of a rubber at the end.
Consider for a moment this unique little invention. At one end is a hard black point and at the other a small rubber tip. This simple instrument can be used to scribble, sketch, work out complicated formulas or compose poetry. But it can also quickly correct an error or start all over again.
Each day Christians write words and deeds on the record of their personal history. But as they reflect upon what they’ve said and done, they become aware that some of what’s been written is not of the quality that will please the Saviour. He remembers attitudes and actions that should never be part of a believer’s life. Yet these sins are forgiven, and fellowship with God is restored through honest confession and repentance.
In John’s first letter, he tells us how to walk uprightly and enjoy fellowship with Christ and with one another. But John was a realist, knowing that some of the pages of our history would be marked by daily flaws and failures. That’s why 1 John 1:9 is such a wonderful promise. It tells us we can use the eraser of confession and start over.
—Dennis DeHaan
45
We’re thankful, Lord, that when we fall We can begin anew
If humbly we confess our sin, Then turn and follow You. —Sper
Day 21
Confession is the foundation for forgiveness.
Confession & Repentance
