Last week we talked about "Understanding right and wrong". Is there a way to distinguish clearly between right and wrong? Are there actions that we would all generally agree are wrong?
In our world today, the categories are not as clearly defined as they may have once been.
We set the stage in the 51st chapter of the Psalms and learned about God’s Love: The Basis of Forgiveness. We saw 4 things David did to reveal that he understood what was necessary to receive God’s forgiveness and salvation.
This week I want to talk with you about Confession: The Demand of Forgiveness. There is something very interesting about confession, we just don't like confessing anything. No matter how big or how small the matter, we just don't want to confess we did or said something wrong. We are holding out that we are right and that what we did or said was ok. Even though we know deep down inside it was wrong and we need to confess it. So let’s consider this for a few minutes today.
Psalms 51:3-6
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.
4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
Sin alienates us from God by setting up barriers between us and God. In the verses, we have just read there are aspects to confession.
Confession is honest admission of sin in our life
-there is a moral alarm that sin triggers called guilt
David had learned an invaluable lesson and that is that sin was always before him. I don't know about you but I have learned this lesson well in my life. Yeah, I sin and I am a sinner saved by grace. Not because of who I am but because of what Jesus did when He died and rose again.
Come on and be honest about it. We all know when we have sinned even when we try to call it something else or even try to justify our actions. You've heard them referred to as not as bad as someone else. God does not see one sin as greater or less than another. He sees all sin as the same, none bigger than another.
Confession is an admission that sin is a violation of God’s holiness and law
-David recognized that even sin that injures or hurts others ultimately is against God
David's acknowledgment that it was against God and God alone and that he had sinned is an eye opener for every one of us today. There was no attempt on his part to drag anyone or anything else into his failure. He had sinned because he knew what he did was wrong. It was wrong before God and that is all that matters. Sin is against God and confession recognizes and takes responsibility for it.
Confession is the repentant sinners’ admission that God is “just when He speaks” and “blameless when judging”
God is always right and what He does or says are His and His alone to determine. The idea of repentance is not a one-time thing. We need to repent daily, that is to turn from the wrong decisions we are making and return to the right decisions we are supposed to make. Repentance is turning away from the wrong life and returning to the right life in the Lord.
Confession is an admission that sin was a free choice
-every person has a nature inclined toward sin, inevitability we choose to sin and become accountable for our sin
Let me be clear here so that there is no misunderstanding. When you sin it is your choice. There was a comedian many years ago named Flip Wilson. He had a character he portrayed known as Geraldine. Her famous line was when confronted with having done something wrong that "the devil made me do it".
He will certainly tempt you and put things in your path but the ultimate decision is always yours. It started in the Garden of Eden with Eve. She didn't have to listen and act out based on what the serpent said. It was her decision, it was her choice. What we see happening around us and in our own lives is evidence that the choices being made are not the right ones.
Something that has become more and more prevalent today is the blame of others for our bad decisions. We see this in the world and especially in politics every day. Again, this is not something that is new for mankind to do. It is however seemingly much more prevalent today. This is a real problem for society as there are not many things today where people are willing to admit their mistakes. Why? Well, I believe there is a simple answer to the question. As this world gets closer to the return of Jesus Christ and the events that will immediately follow, the world just doesn't get better.
Be thankful if you have family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and a church that provide you support and encouragement. That you live someplace where things are still done to protect the public and where freedom is more than just a word but rather a truth lived out each day. Because there are people and places where that is not the case in the United States and certainly throughout the world.
If you missed last week's blog, then go back and read it now. Also, next week we will continue this topic of Understanding right and wrong.
In God's Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy