Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19 (RSV)
Whenever a Christian sins and feels guilty about his sin, he wonders what will happen to him, what divine punishment awaits him. When he wants to find forgiveness from God, he always turns to his pastor, who is his spiritual guide, hoping that he will bring him the solution or that he will intercede with God on his behalf so that his sin will be completely erased and forgotten by the Spirit of God. I see leaders struggling to find words of comfort and encouragement for those who find themselves in these situations.
Peter’s response to his listeners is an important imperative in the life of the believer. Coming from Peter who lived three years with Jesus and who was commanded to care for his sheep, this phrase expresses more than a command, it is an absolute necessity for the forgiveness of sins. Later, John would say the same thing using a more tender and explanatory approach, he says in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
God knows our weaknesses and inclinations that can lead us to sin, that is why He asks us to confess. In the same chapter quoted above, John tells us that if we say we have not sinned, we make Him [God] a liar. Which means that you will still sin at some point. When you sin, you do not have to be afraid of what God is going to do to you, because when He looks at you, He sees Jesus who took your sins for you on the cross. All you have to do is confess them with a repentant heart and He will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
Comments