It occurred to me that the forgiveness that John speaks of in 1 John is true for every true believer in Christ. It is not a condition that one must meet to be a Christian but the fruit of a genuine embracing of Christ through a true understanding of the gospel. There are periods of my own life where I am reluctant to go to the Lord in prayer because I am so aware of me struggles. Deep down I fear the rejection of the Lord. But this runs contrary to the gospel. I need, more than anything, to experience that fellowship with God during these times. This is when I experience His mercy and grace and is the only thing that will lead me to extend the same to others.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
McCheyne’s Bible Reading Plan: Num 31, Ps 75-76, Is 23, 1 Jn 1
