“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9 ESV
The darkness of my bedroom felt stifling, even with the glow of my flashlight. Many 10-year-olds fear the dark because of their own active imaginations, but my fear came from far deeper—the unsettling reality of my own sin.
Earlier that day, I had lied to my mom. From the moment I spoke those untruthful words until bedtime, I avoided her and tried to distract myself from the poisonous knot in my stomach. With each tick of the clock on my nightstand, the nauseating guilt grew until it became an unbearable dread of separation from the person I loved most.
Have you ever avoided church, the Bible, or prayer because you knew you were unfit for God’s presence? We long for connection with God because he created us and loves us. Yet, in the light of his glory and holiness, we tend to withdraw in fear because the light exposes our sin.
God detailed his standard for righteousness in the Law (Exodus 20:1–17; Deuteronomy 5:6–21). His moral law is “written on our hearts”—our conscience (Romans 5:12). Despite our good intentions and wholehearted attempts, attaining God’s standard of holiness is impossible.
The priest and prophet Isaiah explained the natural consequence of our sin—”But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you” (Isaiah 59:2 NIV). Sin is the problem of all humanity (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:23), and separation from God is the horrifying result. We cannot experience true peace until we find a solution to this disastrous effect of our unrighteousness.
Jesus Christ is the solution. Because God loves us, He sent His Son, Jesus, to cover the stain of our sin with His pure righteousness so we can confidently come to Him and enjoy close fellowship with Him.
When the fracture in my relationship with my mom became intolerable, I slid my stockinged feet to the floor and shuffled to her bedside. Sweaty and ashamed, I tearfully confessed my falsehood. Relief, love, and gratitude overcame my trembling soul as Mom pulled me into her warm embrace. Finally at peace, I fell asleep instantly.
We can experience the same reconciliation and close fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. His Word promises that when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We can enjoy peace with Him because, even though we’re guilty, we’ve been justified by faith through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
How is your relationship with God? If unconfessed sin has created distance between you and God, confess it and receive His forgiveness today. Then praise Him for His holiness, love, and saving grace through Jesus Christ.
Christmas celebrates the solution to our sin problem—Jesus Christ.
Additional Scripture:
Isaiah 64:6
Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23
2 Corinthians 5:21
