Last time we studied cleansing– how cleansing puts us back into a useful
condition for God’s service.
We consider today the third of three significant things God does when
we confess and forsake sin: Blessing can be viewed as the favor, or help
we receive from God after we have confessed, forsaken and believe God has done
His part. This is one of the most often neglected parts of the confession
doctrine and teaching– partly because so much emphasis is usually given to
confession and forsaking necessary for the Christian life.
From the Prayer Notebook:
Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
5A. CONFESSION – As I have kept short sin-debts by immediate
confession of sins You have revealed, I now pause to examine my heart further
for wrong attitudes. As You convict, I will once again make confession of my sin
and remember it's results. I will then show a forgiving spirit to others.
2B. The Doctrine of CONFESSION – Today I agree with You LORD that I have
failed in the particular way(s) that You have revealed to me. Now I...
1C. CONFESS; 2C FORSAKE; 3C. BELIEVE – that this sin is now removed
from me. I will continue to renounce it and trust your Word.
*RO 5.9 4C. *Am FORGIVEN – and thus my offense is removed completely.
*1 JN 1.7 5C. *Am CLEANSED – and thus my usefulness for service is
restored also.
Other Verses to Consider:
Ps 1:1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he
meditates day and night.
Ps 40:4 Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not
respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Ps 84:12 O LORD of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Ps 89:15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk,
O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.
Ps 106:3 Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does
righteousness at all times!
Ps 119:1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the
law of the LORD!
Ps 119:2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with
the whole heart!
Ps 128:1 <<A Song of Ascents.>> Blessed is every one who fears
the LORD, Who walks in His ways.
Jer 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose
hope is the LORD.
Jer 17:8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which
spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But
its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of
drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Also read the rest of Psalm 32:
5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said,
"I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," And You forgave the
iniquity of my sin. Selah 6 For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray
to You In a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters They
shall not come near him.
7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall
surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah 8 I will instruct you and
teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. ...
[v10] ...But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all
you upright in heart!
Blessings, protection, mercies, and a special joy – from God comes to those
who confess and forsake sin and continue to do so!