Welcome back to the Echoes of Eden podcast. Today we delve into the narrative of First John chapter 1 in the New Testament. The writer of this scripture is John and he wrote:

If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

John emphasizes that to claim we have no sin is to deceive ourselves. Many of us may not consider ourselves sinless but do we truly acknowledge ourselves as sinners? It's common to hear expressions like 'I make mistakes' or 'I'm not perfect' but these statements don't convey the same weight as admitting 'I am a sinner.' By recognizing our sinful nature we become eligible for God's grace and mercy, as it's meant for sinners.

When we confess our sins we agree with God about our condition and acknowledge the same truth He does. Confession means 'to say the same as.' We must personally admit our sins and seek God's divine forgiveness understanding that our sins are not forgiven because we confess them but because of Jesus' work on the cross. Although confession doesn't earn forgiveness it's essential for maintaining our relationship with God.

God is faithful and just to forgive us because of Jesus' sacrifice. When we confess our sins we must remember that each sin adds to the agony Jesus experienced on the cross. Therefore we should not treat confession casually thinking we can simply ask for forgiveness later. A person who contemplates or commits sin while out of fellowship with God is not truly acknowledging Jesus as the Word of life.

To conclude today's reading, understanding and acknowledging our sinful nature is crucial in receiving God's grace and mercy. Confessing our sins strengthens our relationship with God as we humbly accept His forgiveness and cleansing.

Join us again tomorrow for more insights into scripture and the Bible.