- 1 John 5:1-9 - Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
- John 6:40 - And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
- 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Hebrews 12:6-7 - For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
God's grace is inexhaustible — no sin is greater than His forgiveness. God has promised, as stated in John 6:40, that whoever believes that Jesus died for their sins on the cross possesses eternal life. This promise is unchanging. However, unconfessed sin creates a barrier to a believer's fellowship with God. It does not cause the loss of salvation, but it weakens one's inner peace and assurance. When we confess our sin, the Father forgives and cleanses us. But hiding or refusing to confess sin makes a person feel distant from God. They may feel unworthy or even think that they are rejected by God. Some may even mistakenly believe they have lost their salvation. But that is impossible — we can lose our sense of assurance, but we never lose our salvation. Often, people misunderstand God's discipline and perceive it as rejection. In fact, it is the opposite: Hebrews 12:6-7 shows that God disciplines those He loves. This is proof that we are His children, and He is drawing us back into communion with Himself. Jesus is our Intercessor. Through His death on the cross, He paid the price for all our sins. We cannot out-sin His grace. The moment we confess our sin, the assurance and peace that come from God fill our hearts again.
Reflection
What hidden sin or feeling of guilt stands like a wall between you and God today? Are you ready to confess it to restore your inner peace?
