9 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

Do you understand the meaning of “faithful and just”? Some people stop going to church and eventually leave the faith because they did something wrong, because they believe God will not forgive them and they just cannot forgive themselves. All you have got to do is to confess your sins. If you just say, “Lord I missed it.” God will say to you, “I am faithful and just to forgive you, and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” How does the blood of Jesus cleanse you from all unrighteousness?

Imagine an aluminium pot that has got black soot on it. To clean it, you take a pad, and you put some scouring powder on the pad. When you use that pad to wipe the pot, all the soot comes off. Then you see the real silvery colour of the aluminium pot again. That is how the blood of Christ cleanses you.

You are purified because of the blood of Jesus. You can live a holy life. The good thing about knowing that you are purified is that you understand the nature you have now. With that understanding, you will live out that nature. This truth gives you the license to be holy, and not a license to sin. It opens up your mind to understand what you are truly made up of and reminds you that you have the license to be holy and righteous. Temptations will come your way; but when you know what Jesus did for you by His blood, you will live right.

I remember a young girl who once walked into our church. She had lived a sexually promiscuous life and now wanted to serve God. Yet, she couldn’t let go of her old lifestyle. I told her to keep coming to church and not worry about her lifestyle. She could dress anyway she wanted to and keep her boyfriends if she wanted to, but whatever she did, she should just keep coming to church. She was surprised I said that, but she did just as I said. Even after she was now born again, she still slipped back into her old lifestyle now and then, but she kept coming to church. As she came, she found out He is faithful and just, to forgive her of all her sins. Many years later, she is now a responsible married woman with children, living a holy life and serving the God, who is faithful and just.

Confession:

I am purified by the blood of Jesus Christ. I am liberated by this truth to live holy because I now know the new nature I possess in Christ.