Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 1:9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. |
Bible Question:
Thank you, Sam. That does help. Other than scripture itself, do you know of any other resources that I might be able to use to help others like me with this question? Every time our church has communion we are expected to sit quietly and confess all our sins to God in order to be forgiven and stay in fellowship with God. Plus, it keeps God from striking us dead for taking communion unworthily (with unconfessed sin). But then our pastor will turn right around and preach to unbelievers that all our sins are paid for at Calvary. I have spent 30 years of my life keeping short (and not-so-short) accounts with God, trying to stay in fellowship with Him. But, on the way home from church, a careless driver cuts me off and 'Raca' is the first thing out of my mouth. Suddenly, I'm out of fellowship with God again and I can't always pull over to stop and pray for God to forgive me. Then I'm haunted by 'What if I die in this car on the way home with unconfessed sin?' 1 John 1:9 has been my 'thorn in the flesh' for a long time but I know it's God's Word and that it's inspired. Thanks again for all your help. Want to be my new pastor (ha ha)? |
Bible Answer: I know this has been answered by those more qualified than I am, but a sentence here has been on my heart since I read it yesterday. You said, 'I can't always pull over to stop and pray for God to forgive me.' Would you pull over and stop before making a comment to a friend sitting in the seat next to you? God is with you always and will always hear you. He is next to you, around you and in you. You can speak to Him at any time. You can ask His forgiveness at any time. He wants to have a personal relationship with you. If He has made a spectacular sunset and you are looking at it and say 'Thank you Lord for allowing me to see the beauty You have created', He will hear you. If you are making a difficult decision and aren't sure which way you should go, a quiet 'Lord, I need help making this decision.' will bring His assistance. Do not become as the Pharisee's arguing over the letter of the law and forgetting the spirit of the law which is that God loves you and knows your frailties - after all, He made you. Your acceptance of Him and allowing Him to lead your life as He sees fit is what is important to Him. He is a patient teacher and willing to forgive as long as we continually seek His will in our lives. |