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Contrition, Confession, Cooperation, March 21
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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The temptations of the enemy will come; but shall we give him the
advantage to break down all the barriers, by yielding one iota from the
strictest principles of integrity? If we yield in the least, he will follow one
temptation with another, until we shall go directly contrary to the plainest
statements of the Word of God, and follow the mind and will of Satan. Satan
and his confederacy of evil angels are ever on the alert to see by what means
they may ensnare and ruin souls who have enlisted under the blood-stained
banner of Prince Immanuel. You did run well for a season, you did taste and
see that the Lord is good; but when you fell into sin, you walked in darkness.
When you yielded to temptation, you must have ceased to look unto Jesus,
the author and finisher of your faith. But, having confessed your sins, believe
that the Word of God cannot fail, but that He is faithful that hath promised. It
is just as much your duty to believe that God will fulfil His word, and forgive
your sins, as it is your duty to confess your sins. You must exercise faith
in God as in one who will do exactly as He has promised in His Word, and
pardon all your transgressions.
How may we know that the Lord is indeed our sin-pardoning Redeemer,
and prove what is the blessedness, the grace, the love there is in Him for
us? O, we must believe His word implicitly, with contrite and submissive
spirit! There is no need to go mourning and ever repenting, and under a cloud
of continual condemnation. Believe the Word of God, keep looking unto
Jesus, dwelling upon His virtues and mercies, and there will be created in the
heart an utter abhorrence of that which is evil. You will be among those who
hunger and thirst after righteousness. But the more closely we discern Jesus,
the more clearly we shall see our own defects of character.
As we see our failings, let us confess them to Jesus, and, with true contri-
tion of soul, cooperate with the divine power of the Holy Spirit to overcome
all evil. If we confess our sins, we must believe that they are pardoned,
because the promise is positive.—
The Review and Herald, March 21, 1912
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