I am fond of quoting (and applying) 1 John 1:9, AMP. (But also remember Matthew 6:14-15)
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”
But I’m not sure I appreciated the fuller significance of this scripture. Because Jesus did what He did, He provided a constant access to forgiveness, cleansing, restoration. If you say, ‘of course’ – congratulations, I wasn’t that swift.
There is another, equally important component – accepting you’ve been forgiven. Many of us are not as successful in this but we should be. In my head, in my more reasoned moments, I have this conversation: Me – ‘I’m so sorry Father for having (fill in the blank AND having already confessed this sin), please forgive me.’ The Father: ‘What ARE you talking about? If we’ve discussed this before, don’t you remember I cast it into the Sea of Forgetfulness?” (Micah 7:19) Why do we do this? The reasons are as individualistic as we are.
As I oft say… being a Christian is not for cowards (though if you are a coward, you can grow into a warrior). Daily, for some, we do those things we don’t want to do and not do what we do want to do – what I call Paul’s ‘ lament (Romans 7:15). We feel that we’re in continual need of forgiveness … and it is heartfelt.
Is the reason for the unnecessary behavior on our part the realization of just what we’ve said/done and how it has affected someone else? Perhaps. Is it a sense that we aren’t worthy? Probably. But I also believe it goes even deeper… a desire that nothing should separate us even though we quote:
“For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, AMP)
It’s not that we don’t believe this scripture, nor don’t believe this is how the Lord looks on us… it’s almost like ‘it’s too good to be true’. But it is true. The issue is our accepting the forgiveness and moving on. Letting that be a guide to changed behavior (my definition of true repentance), And if we do repeat? Then remember that we still can be cleansed and restored and we can again purpose not repeat.
“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.” (Hebrews 4:15, AMP)
Just as with everything associated with eternal things, forgiveness, accepting being forgiven, change, etc. it is a process. It is never ‘one and done’. We continue to grow in understanding of who we are, Whose we are, and who we are becoming.
