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40 DAYS OF LENT: DAY #26
WORD OF TODAY: 1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:
Note today that St. John begins this portion of his Epistle with “if”. “If we say”, which means we have a choice. We have a choice to deceive ourselves or be honest with ourselves. We can say we are without sin, but we know if we say this it is only self-deception. And we so often pursue self-deception in order to avoid guilt, shame, and consequences. However, the disciple of Christ Jesus must know, and embrace, the Truth that the curse promised to the sinner has already been paid. Jesus took upon Himself every ounce of guilt, every ounce of shame, and every ounce of the consequence of your sin. That is, if you have given to Him your guilt, your shame, your sin. St. John notes a second choice, another “if”. “If we confess...”
The consistent Truth we find here today is Almighty God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His word proclaimed is the Word of Truth, and is trustworthy and reliable. So when we are told we are condemned in our unrighteousness, we are. And when we are told that Jesus accepted our condemnation in unrighteousness though He Himself was Righteous, we are. God does not undo what He has said. So today consider how Almighty God is faithful to His word. Yesterday we considered how valuable His word is, and today we see why His word is so valuable. It is God’s Word that became flesh and dwelt among us, who willingly took upon Himself our guilt, shame, and condemnation. So today consider anew the absolute Truth that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.