Last time we considered temptation and sin. Because we are not 100% successful in our battles with temptation, we sin. What then? We were reminded last time that believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who convicts us of our sin. Conviction, when acted upon, produces contrition, confession and repentance. Let’s consider these.

Contrition is heartfelt sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:10). Because believers love the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:22), we not only know our sin is wrong, we know that our sin is always, ultimately against the God who loves us (Psalm 51:4). Christians are not merely sorry that we have been caught and may experience consequences for our sin, our hearts are broken for having sinned against God! This “godly sorrow” leads to confession and repentance.

Confession and Repentance. When we sin, our first inclination is often to try to hide from God as Adam and Eve did in Eden (Genesis 3). But let us rather be encouraged to confess our sin. God assures us in 2 John 1:8-9 that when we confess our sins, God has pledged to “forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Think of it this way: God is more eager to forgive and cleanse us than we are to simply confess our sins to Him. What a great encouragement that is!

God’s remedy for sin is His forgiveness, which we receive when we confess our sins and repent of them (1 John 1:9, Proverbs 28:13). Confession means to agree with God about our sin (it is wrong and it has to go!). Repentance means to change our minds about, and turn away from sin.

Yes, all of our sins were paid for by Jesus when He died on the cross. But we experience the freshness of His forgiveness when, as often as we sin, we confess and repent.

Why do believers confess their sins and repent? Again, not because we are so good, but because the Holy Spirit is so good to convict us!

Next time a few thoughts about forgiveness and restoration.