Biblical Teachings 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 sin but loves people and wants all of them "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 fully 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 to be a “participant in Your Divine Nature.” Forgive me, for I have sinned in these ways… (name them now)… Remove the corruption caused by my evil desires so that I can serve You in true innocence, righteousness, and blessedness. Amen.