The Ultimate Comfort

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Would you like to experience the greatest comfort you could ever receive?

Today’s verse promises that if you confess your sin, you never have to wonder about being forgiven by God. No matter what you’ve done in the past, how you behave today, or what you will do tomorrow, you can have complete confidence that you can and will be forgiven. It is one-hundred percent guaranteed for two reasons.

The first reason is that God is faithful. He will do what he says he will do. When you come clean He makes you clean instantly - no probation, no community service, no expensive fine – just complete and total forgiveness. 

The prophet Isaiah said, “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7, NIV) God has made a promise and sealed it with the blood of His own Son. When you are convicted of your sin and you confess your sin, you are forgiven of your sin.

The second reason that you are always forgiven is that God is just. God cannot write off your sins and pretend they didn’t happen. God is holy and righteous. If the judge allows a criminal to go free even though he knows the criminal is guilty the judge becomes the criminal. How can God justify me even though I am guilty and still be just? There is a one-word answer; the answer is Jesus.

That little baby was wrapped in swaddling clothes, but forgiveness was wrapped up in that baby. When God forgives you in Jesus, He doesn’t just forgive freely; He forgives you fully and finally. Listen to the last part of verse 9, “…and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)

When God forgives you, He leaves no record. Your file is empty and your slate is clean. How clean? Listen to the last part of verse seven. “…and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7, NIV) The moment you confess your sin, you are completely clean.

Your greatest comfort is not good health, family or financial security. The greatest comfort you can live and die with is that you are fully and finally forgiven. That is the comfort Jesus promises you at Christmas. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for the gift of Jesus Christ. Thank You for seeing my desperation and comforting me through Your unending forgiveness–a gift that cannot ever be withdrawn or changed. Thank You for being faithful and just, and always cleansing me when I come to You. I receive the comfort and peace of Jesus Christ. I love You and praise You. Amen.