1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
True confession of sin is not merely about feeling remorseful, guilty, or ashamed. It is not even about correcting bad behavior. True confession begins with the realization and acknowledgment that all our problems, shortcomings, and sinful nature stem from separation from God. Scripture calls this state “sin”—more specifically, “original sin” (Romans 3:23). Every human being is born into this condition: condemned by sin and destined for death. We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we were born sinners.
When we confess our sins, we are exposing what the devil has done—binding all people under the law of sin and death. We are also submitting to the truth of God’s Word, which reveals that we have become lovers of ourselves, trapped by self-centeredness, self-reliance, worldly pleasures, and success (Genesis 3, 6, 11). Consequently, we find ourselves caught in the frames and systems of the world—crafted by the devil through powers, economies, and cultures (Acts 13, 16, 19).
We recognize the strong influence of Satan’s snares: tempting us to live enslaved to sin, worship idols, live restlessly, suffer physically like unbelievers, feel insecure about eternity, and pass down spiritual curses to future generations. We all struggle between the desire to follow God’s law and the power of sin that remains in us (Romans 7:14–23). And so, we cry out like Paul: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24).
But this cry of desperation leads us straight to the cross of Christ: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25). True confession is all about Jesus. It is about our True King, who destroyed the one who holds the power of death—the devil (Hebrews 2:14). Confession is a declaration of our freedom from Satan’s grip (Romans 8:2).
Our confession is also about Jesus, our True Priest, who removed every curse and disaster caused by sin. It is a declaration of victory over sin and death. And it is about Jesus, our True Prophet, who opened a new and living way to God so we might have peace with Him once more.
At the cross, God—who is faithful and just—already forgave all your sins: past, present, and future. When Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), the full price for sin was paid. So when we confess our sins, God purifies us from all unrighteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit and helps us set our minds on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—anything excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
The Holy Spirit gently reminds us that we are God’s beloved children, and nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus. Therefore, confession is not just a time of guilt and shame—it is a time of restoration, reassurance, and renewal. It is one of the greatest privileges given to God’s children.
Scripture declares that you are the most blessed person on earth. Because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, God has completely freed you from the power of sin and death. He has forgiven—and forgotten—all your sins (Isaiah 43:25). When God looks at you, He sees the blood of His Son and finds no fault in you. He has removed your sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). In His compassion, He has trampled your sins underfoot and thrown them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).
If you are still struggling with guilt and shame, meet Jesus at Calvary. He is the One who loves you and died for you. He has cut off the root of sin. At Calvary, Jesus endured unspeakable suffering to free you from the power of “the accuser.” There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. God has canceled every charge against you. You have been justified by the blood of Jesus. You are now holy and blameless in His sight.
Never forget who you are in Christ. Don’t let Satan deceive you. Rejoice in your freedom. Live a life worthy of the gospel. Carry the good news of freedom to those still bound by sin.
Prayer. Father, thank You for setting me free from the law of sin and death through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I believe that when I confess my weaknesses and wrongdoings, You forgive my sins and purify me through the precious blood of Jesus poured out on the cross. With the freedom I now have in Christ, I desire to stand as Your witness to those living in fear under the power of sin. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.