Today’s 333 Devotional: “The Joy of Confession”

Sin causes misery, and sin is anything that falls short of God’s holy and righteous standards, or the Law. Our problem is that it is impossible for anyone to keep the Law of God and live, and that’s because we’re all sinners by nature (Romans 3:23).

But thanks to God, sin doesn’t have to be what we are defined as. That through belief in Jesus Christ we can have our sins forgiven and our relationship with God restored as it was back in the Garden of Eden.

The Apostle John said, “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)

What joy. It should fill our hearts and change our whole outlook on life. The Apostle Paul said, “Yes, what joy for those whose sin is no longer counted against them by the Lord.” (Romans 4:8)

Later, Paul said that Christ is the end of the law and God’s righteousness is available to all who believe in Him (Romans 10:4). And this all comes through confession, as he goes on to say, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

King David knew the joy that comes through confession.

“According to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” (Psalm 51:1b-3)

And then he asked, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” (Psalm 51:12)

And knowing the wonderful joy of confession David could write, “What joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.” (Psalm 32:1-2a)