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IMIZAMO YETHU
NEED FOR FORGIVENESS
1 John 1:8-2:2
If we say that we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves, and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. [And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins.] If we claim we have not sinned, we are lying and calling God a liar, for he says we have sinned.
My little children, I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. His name is Jesus Christ, the one who took God’s wrath against our sins upon himself, and brought us into fellowship with God; and he is the forgiveness for our sins, and not only ours but all the world’s.
(When we come to Christ, he forgives all the sins we have committed or will ever commit. We don’t need to confess the same sins all over again, and we don’t need to fear that he will cast us out if we don’t keep our slate perfectly clear at all moments. Of course we want to continue our sins, but not because we think failure to do so will make us lose our salvation. Our hope in Christ is secure. Instead, we confess our sins so we can enjoy maximum fellowship and joy with him.
True confession also involves a commitment not to continue in sin. We are not genuinely confessing our sins before God if we plan to commit the sin again and just want temporary forgiveness. We must pray for strength to defeat the temptation the next time it appears.
To people who are feeling guilty and condemned, John offers reassurance. They know they have sinned, and Satan (called “the accuser of our brothers” in Revelations12:10) is demanding the death penalty. When you feel this way, don’t give up hope-the best defence attorney in the universe is pleading your case. Jesus Christ, your advocate, is the Judge’s Son. He has already suffered your penalty in your place. You can’t be tried again for a case that is no longer on the docket. United with Jesus, you are as safe as he is. Don’t be afraid to ask him to plead your case-he has already won it!)
Heavenly Father
Stretch out your hand to heal and grant that wonders and miracles
May be performed through
The Name of your holy Servant
Jesus Christ