Trust MeSample

Promises Are Only as Good as the Promise Maker

Read: “But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9).

Think: Have you ever considered the fact that a promise is only as good as the one making the promise? Why should a holy, righteous, perfect God forgive me? How can He be so eager to forgive me when I struggle even to forgive myself? If you have given your life to God in and through the person of Jesus Christ, then He has promised this forgiveness. God always keeps His promises. He is “faithful and just” to keep His word. God stands on His record. Rehearse His faithfulness in the Hebrew Scriptures. Reflect on the examples of His extraordinary forgiveness in the New Testament. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are” (Romans 3:23, NLT). Now that’s a promise! “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:1-2, NLT). Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are freed not only from the power of sin but from the penalty of sin as well. This happens through confession.

“But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9, NLT). It does not say He is “kind and patient” to forgive -- although He is. It states, "He is 'faithful and just' to forgive." For God to hold us accountable for our sin, after He laid that sin on His one and only Son to pay the penalty, would undermine the efficacy of Christ’s work of redemption. God would be requiring a double payment. Our sin has been paid once and for all by the person of Jesus Christ and applied to us through our belief, faith, and trust in Him. Sin always has consequences, but for the believer, that consequence is never God’s unwillingness to forgive. Because of His promise, we will receive mercy and find grace. He has paid the price; He will forgive. Our part is to confess and repent.

Apply: What keeps you from confessing and repenting of your sin? What ways has God been faithful to you and your family? What hinders you from placing your faith and trust in Jesus?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you that you are not only a promise maker but a promise keeper. Thank you for loving me enough to forgive my sins once and for all through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. I take you at your word and place my full dependence and trust in you and your character. Thank You.

(E.Scott Feather is better known as the husband of Jodi and father to Raylee and J.Camden. Scott has served as the Lead Pastor of Gateway Church  in Parkesburg, PA.)