Removing the Strain in Our Relationship With God

 

In a relational sense, I must continually seek restoration and forgiveness. Even though I am in Christ, I still say, do, and think things that are foul, corrupt, and offensive to God. 

This is the point of 1 John 1:8–9, which is really just a commentary on the sin offering of Leviticus 4 and 5. If we say we are without sin, we lie and “the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

So if I sin as a Christian, I should not fear condemnation-for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1)—but if my conscience is working as it should, I will still feel guilty. 

Sin is still displeasing to God. Imagine your son has a paper route. You tell your son, “You must do the paper route. It’s your job, not mine.” 

But one day he purposely skips the route to play with his friends after school. You happen to notice a lonely stack of papers waiting to be delivered. 

So you load up your car and deliver the papers for him. When he gets home, you want to talk with the boy. 

Now, you’re not going to disown him, but he’s been disobedient so there is a strain in the relationship. The parent-child relationship has been disturbed by the son’s disobedience. 

But if your son comes sorrowfully, “I blew it, Dad [or Mom]. I promised you wouldn’t ever have to do my route and I broke that promise. I’m sorry. Forgive me.” 

Now the relationship is restored. If the son were to carry on with habitual disobedience without asking for forgiveness, the relationship would grow more and more distant. 

That’s why we must continually come to God for forgiveness, with similar language: “I blew it. I broke my promise. I am guilty before You. Please forgive me.” A broken heart and contrite spirit God will never deny.

Adapted Excerpt From: Kevin L. DeYoung & Jerry Bridges. “The Good News We Almost Forgot.”