Biblical Teaching on Prayer
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Pondering Point
A basic reading of the Bible will teach you that God takes sin seriously in at least three ways:
- He had Jesus die on account of sin –
that’s wages-of-sin-is-deadly serious!
- He expects us to confess our sin –
that means to acknowledge it, recognize it, own up to it.
- In the name of Jesus, He promises to forgive sin.
That goes for ALL who call on Him about that sin.
Think about this: God’s desire is for you to be pure, to have no ill effects of sin. In 2 Peter 1:4 Peter drills this home: He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. God does despise sinners, but loves them and wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Confession of sins is about being freed up so that we can totally experience the blessings God has for us through Jesus Christ – in this world and the next.
Prayer
Faithful and Just God, I come in the name of Jesus Christ as a “participant in Your Divine Nature.” Forgive me, for I have sinned in these ways… (name them now)… Remove all corruption caused by my evil desires so that I can serve You in true innocence, righteousness, and blessedness. Amen.
People who cover over their sins will not prosper but if they confess and forsake them they will find mercy.
Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 13
Confession II
Self-examination and confession go together because they are one. What is it that keeps me from confessing my sins? It is my own pride. I have to admit that I’m not perfect and I do make too many mistakes. One of the purposes of my confession is to practice seeing myself as God sees me. Sin does not have to separate me from my God, as long as I continue to have self-examination and confession. This is at the heart of a growing relationship with God.
It is very difficult to find a person to share your innermost thoughts. One of the priorities on my prayer list has always been to find and have good friends that I can support and uphold. Then I ask them to do the same for me. This means friends that I can trust. The Lord has provided a positive answer to these requests, wherever we have lived in the world.
Confession is not a dark fearful response to an angry God if we don’t shape up. Instead, confession becomes an act of anticipation, a response to the unconditional call of God’s love. It is the promise that “…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Got his book? Read pages 77-75 in Keep Me and Keep All, Smith.
Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #9 on page 251: “How can God hear everyone at the same time?”