The Christian’s Bar of Soap

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)

This verse has been called, “The Christian’s Bar of Soap.” Like all soap, it is no good unless it is applied.

John the beloved is a Christian writing as he is directed by the Holy Spirit to other Christians. Notice the pronouns: “we,” “our,” and “us.” He is including himself. Also notice the scripture verses before and after this verse, looking again at the pronouns. We do sin sometimes, even after we are saved. While sin does not break our relationship with God, it does hinder our fellowship with Him.

The verse never says that we must beg God for forgiveness, just confess our sins. To confess means to “agree with the facts.” God already knows the facts and all the details of our sins. Confession is acknowledging the facts to God and agreeing that it is a sin.

One other thing: Confession is more than tacking the little phrase, “And forgive me of all my sins,” on the end of our prayer. I can almost hear God saying, “Name one.” Be specific. He promises to forgive confessed sins and to cleanse us.