Chapter 5—Christ Our Righteousness
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
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God requires that we confess our sins and humble our hearts before
Him; but at the same time we should have confidence in Him as a
tender Father, who will not forsake those who put their trust in Him.
Many of us walk by sight and not by faith. We believe the things
that are seen but do not appreciate the precious promises given us in
God’s Word; and yet we cannot dishonor God more decidedly than by
showing that we distrust what He says and question whether the Lord
is in earnest with us or is deceiving us.
God does not give us up because of our sins. We may make
mistakes and grieve His Spirit, but when we repent and come to Him
with contrite hearts, He will not turn us away. There are hindrances
to be removed. Wrong feelings have been cherished, and there have
been pride, self-sufficiency, impatience, and murmurings. All these
separate us from God. Sins must be confessed; there must be a deeper
work of grace in the heart. Those who feel weak and discouraged may
become strong men of God and do noble work for the Master. But
they must work from a high standpoint; they must be influenced by no
selfish motives.
We must learn in the school of Christ. Nothing but His righteous-
ness can entitle us to one of the blessings of the covenant of grace.
We have long desired and tried to obtain these blessings but have not
received them because we have cherished the idea that we could do
something to make ourselves worthy of them. We have not looked
away from ourselves, believing that Jesus is a living Saviour. We
must not think that our own grace and merits will save us; the grace
of Christ is our only hope of salvation. Through His prophet the Lord
promises, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man
his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy
upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
Isaiah 55:7
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We must believe the naked promise, and not accept feeling for faith.
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