NIV 365 / If We Confess

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 273 of 365 If We Confess *What does it mean to confess your sins to God? *What happens when you confess your sins to God? When John was writing these verses, there were people claiming that they didn't sin. We know this can't be true. Everyone sins. If we refuse to admit that we have sinned, that means that God's truth is not in us. In fact, God's truth cannot enter into us until we admit that we have sinned and that we need to be saved. The Greek word that John used in this verse that is translated "confess" goes beyond admitting sins. We must also agree with God that we were wrong. This means that we need to confess our sins to God while agreeing that we need his forgiveness. When we do this, when we sincerely confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive us. He will make us pure again. There is nothing that we could possibly do to separate ourselves from the love of God. Prayer Dear God, we confess that we have sinned. Please forgive us of our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Thank you for your faithfulness and your mercy. Amen. Taken from Once a Day At the Table 1 John 1:8-9 1 John 1:8-9 KJV 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.