Once we become Christians, we have accepted Christ as our Savior, we can never be separated from God. This is the doctrine of eternal salvation. Salvation is the most important coping mechanism to help live life well(living according to our Creator’s instruction manual – the BIBLE).
Lose Some Daily Battles
Unfortunately, even though we are saved, we are not completed or perfect people… so don’t be surprised, but Christians sin… a lot. God hates sin, but yet we are His and in perfect relationship with Him thru the purifying blood and death of Christ Jesus. God knew we would sin and again, He provides a way to bounce back from the clutches of sin. Confession is the second most important coping mechanism in living life well.
Sins Daily Impact
Unfortunately, we still sin. This sin does create a temporary barrier between us and God. We lose our direct connection to God.
A practical picture is marriage. When my wife and I got married, we are married forever…. Nothing can separate us. Now if i were to lie to her, we wouldn’t be separated or divorced, but a temporary barrier between us would exist. it would interfere with our communication, trust, teamwork, and partnership. I need to take responsibility for my lie, confess(name) it to her, sincerely want to change and not lie anymore(repent), and she will forgive me. Now we are back in that awesome, intimate, connection and can enjoy each other, communicate freely, and share our lives fully with each other.
The same is true about our relationship with God. When I sin, I have created a temporary barrier between God and me. My life is adversely affected by this separation from God. At the time of salvation, the Holy Spirit is sent to indwell us. The Holy Spirit has many roles, but some of them are:
- helping us absorb, understand and apply Bible teachings
- giving us Godly lenses that perceive life accurately
- empowering us to fight the spiritual battle and respond to life events the right way
- helping us with self-control to resist temptation
When there is no unconfessed sin in our life, the Holy Spirit is on the throne of our life and is the main influencer of our thoughts, intentions, strategies for life. When we sin, a revolt has occurred in our heart and we have told God and the Holy Spirit that we don’t want Him on the throne….. instead we want to be on the throne and our self-centered self(the old man, flesh, or sin nature) is now on the throne. the results are the opposite of those listed above and worse.
God Again Provides a Merciful and Gracious Solution
Thankfully, God made it easy for us to break through the barrier and be back in that close, open communication, connection with Him.
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
It’s simple: We need to name our sins(i try to do quick inventory and always end with “and all the sins i am unaware of as well”) to God(doesn’t need to be to a priest or wife or anyone else). This naming our sins is not an emotional feel sorry, racked by guilt, self attack and condemnation action. No emotional implications. Simply name our known and unknown sins, have a sincere desire to walk according to God’s way, and God forgives us and cleanses us from those sins. He then sees us as pure again and we are able to enjoy unimpeded relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit is now back on the throne of our life and the Fruit of the Spirit, eyes that see the truth, power to make the right decisions and avoid temptation. Life is a lot easier when He is on the throne instead of me.
Don’t Forget This Powerful Weapon in the Spiritual Battle
This is a dramatically underutilized coping mechanism. Often when we sin, we are ashamed and run and hide, like Adam and Eve did. But just like with our kids, if they do something wrong against us, we want them to immediately come and tell us so we can deal with the ramifications of their “sin” and get back in good standing with each other. God is the same way, plus He already knows we sinned anyway, we can’t hide it.
Please be aware of what you are doing and humble to admit to God when you act outside of His will and instruction. Recognize your failings and go quickly and often to God and be accountable. Living out of sync with God and without the Holy Spirit at the controls is a terrible place to be. We don’t want you to experience that, you don’t want that, and God doesn’t want you there. That is why He provided a way to bounce back into relationship with Him.
Confession is good for the soul…. and mind and brain also!
by HIS grace,
The Lighthouse Network Team