If we confess our sins
William MacDonald teaches that through sincere confession, believers receive God's faithful and just forgiveness, restoring fellowship and cleansing from all unrighteousness.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the vital biblical truth found in 1 John 1:9 about confession and forgiveness. He explains how confession restores the believer’s fellowship with God and emphasizes the certainty of forgiveness based on God’s faithfulness and justice. MacDonald encourages believers to rely on Scripture rather than feelings for assurance and to accept God’s forgiveness fully. This message offers hope and practical guidance for living a victorious Christian life.
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“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)
Without the assurance of this verse, it would be practically impossible to go on in the Christian life. As we grow in grace, we have a deepening awareness of our utter sinfulness. We must have some provision for instant cleansing for sins, otherwise we are doomed to perpetual guilt and defeat.
John tells us that, for believers, provision is made through confession. The unbeliever receives judicial forgiveness from the penalty of sins through faith in the Lord Jesus. The believer receives parental forgiveness from the defilement of sins through confession.
Sin breaks fellowship in the life of the child of God, and that fellowship remains broken till the sin is confessed and forsaken. When we confess, God is faithful to His Word; He has promised to forgive. He is just in forgiving because the work of Christ at the Cross has provided a righteous basis on which He may do so.
What this verse means, then, is that when we confess our sins, we can know that the record is clear, that we have been completely cleansed, that the happy family spirit has been restored. As soon as we are conscious of sin in our lives, we can go into the presence of God, call that sin by its name, repudiate it, and know with certainty that it has been put away.
But how do we know for certain? Do we feel forgiven? It is not at all a question of feelings. We know that we have been forgiven because God says so in His Word. Feelings are undependable at best. God’s Word is sure.
But suppose someone says, “I know that God has forgiven me but I can’t forgive myself”? This might sound very pious but actually it is dishonoring to God. If God has forgiven me, then He wants m
Sermon Outline
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I
- The necessity of confession for cleansing
- Difference between judicial and parental forgiveness
- Sin breaks fellowship with God
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II
- God’s faithfulness and justice in forgiving
- The basis of forgiveness in Christ’s work on the Cross
- Restoration of the believer’s fellowship with God
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III
- Knowing forgiveness is certain through God’s Word
- The unreliability of feelings in assurance
- The importance of trusting God’s promise
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IV
- The problem of self-forgiveness
- Honoring God by accepting His forgiveness
- Living in the assurance of cleansing
Key Quotes
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — William MacDonald
“Sin breaks fellowship in the life of the child of God, and that fellowship remains broken till the sin is confessed and forsaken.” — William MacDonald
“We know that we have been forgiven because God says so in His Word. Feelings are undependable at best. God’s Word is sure.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Confess sins promptly to maintain clear fellowship with God.
- Trust God’s Word for assurance of forgiveness rather than relying on feelings.
- Accept God’s forgiveness fully and do not harbor self-condemnation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to confess our sins?
Confessing our sins means openly acknowledging them before God and repenting, which leads to His forgiveness and cleansing.
How does God forgive believers differently than unbelievers?
Unbelievers receive judicial forgiveness through faith in Jesus, while believers receive ongoing parental forgiveness through confession.
Can feelings determine if we are forgiven?
No, feelings are unreliable; assurance of forgiveness comes from trusting God’s Word.
What if I can’t forgive myself even after God forgives me?
Not forgiving yourself dishonors God’s forgiveness; believers should accept God’s promise and live in that assurance.
Why is confession important in the Christian life?
Confession restores broken fellowship with God caused by sin and keeps the believer’s conscience clear.