Let us rejoice in Him who clothes us with the garments of salvation. God graciously and freely gives us this opportunity because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23, NKJV). Yes, we have all sinned; but it is not an excuse to continue sinning. If we believe, understand redemption is through faith in Jesus Christ. The question of whether we should continue to sin has been asked and answered, and the answer is “God forbid” (Rom. 6:2).
Get right with the Lord because “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1, NASB). Do not overlook the latter part of this verse, “for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Examine yourself and confirm that you belong to Christ Jesus. Do not go along to get along because it is possible to be part of a religious group, to even be the leader, and not belong to Christ. Follow His commands faithfully and let the Lord declare your righteousness, not man.
Righteousness and salvation are gifts from God to those who belong to Christ, for His death, burial, and resurrection are the reason we are acceptable to God. If we examine ourselves and judge ourselves properly, we will not come under the Lord’s judgment (1 Cor. 11:31) because we will confess and be forgiven. There is a popular saying, “Confession is good for the soul.” When we face the truth about ourselves, it is an eye-opening experience, and when we look with a spiritual eye, we see clearly. Once we acknowledge that something profound is taking place, our hearts and minds open up to God’s truth. However, sometimes humans tend to ignore intuitive thoughts instead of embracing the idea that the Spirit of God is trying to tell us something.
Confess your sin and join those in His mighty army who listen attentively to what the Spirit says. “They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24, CSB). Grace is the heart of the gospel and our faith in Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our belief. Without faith, the temple is weak because we have not placed the cornerstone in its proper place. By grace and with mercy God chooses us and freely justifies us.
Accept God’s grace, follow the Lord’s Way, and the Holy Spirit will guide you to repentance and obedience. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, KJB). Since the Word of God says he is faithful to forgive us, it makes sense to trust God and confess; then we do not need to make excuses for our immoral behavior. Be like David and do not try to hide your sin from God (Ps. 32:5). It is a futile effort because God is omniscient and omnipresent.
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
