Some at work ask me why I am happy. It is because I know when I sin, I will be forgiven. This is the peace which passes all understanding for the child of God. If I sin against one, I can go to the person and ask forgiveness and then ask for God to forgive me. It is then I may rest at night knowing the sin was forgiven and I am in a right relationship with God.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” I John 1:7
Some sins can be ongoing. Baptism nor worldly sorrow will not take care of the sin. Some seem to believe if they do enough good works their sins will be taken care of. God won’t condemn them for the sin. This is an incorrect view.
“But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife. But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou dost this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against Me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou and all that are thine.” (Genesis 20:3-7)
If one defrauds his fellowman, prayer for forgiveness will not take care of the matter. Restitution to the other party, as far as possible, must be made to the other party and then we can ask forgiveness of God. It doesn’t mean there will not be consequences for the sin. If a Christian commits a crime and asks forgiveness, and restitution made, he may still have to face penalties in a civil court.
“In David’s silence or non-confession he found no rest. Conscience smitten, troubled, agonizing in soul, his “bones waxed old”‘ that is, his strength failed and it seemed that the weakness of old age was upon him.
“There was conviction of sin, but no confession. Trying to hide sin in his life, unwilling to confess it, refusing to seek pardon, life became hard for him. While his mouth kept silent on sin, his heart groaned with anguish. Pressure built up within him, but he refused to pull the valve of confession. As it wore on, he felt more distressed. His remembrance of guilt seemed to be the pressing hand of God upon him. When it became intolerable he confessed his sins. Forgiveness lifted the weight. Then peace came.
What the psalmist suffered is the experience of millions. In an effort to obtain ease from a painful guilt, yet unwilling to seek pardon, they try to find it in becoming amusement worshipers, bar flies, business pushers, honor chasers, or big givers. After suffering futility and disappointment, maybe they will go on to see release in the Divine way – David did – and peace shall come.” ~ Leroy Brownlow
“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.” I John 1:8-9
Eileen Light