The Thief Views the Cross 4

1 John 1:8-10

As a child my mother often read stories and poems to me out of a collection of children’s books we had. One that I always remembered was the poem called “Mr. Nobody.” The poem was about how things happen in a household – fingerprints on the wall, broken vases, spilled drinks – and the person to blame is Mr. Nobody. “Who did this?” Nobody.

It was a cute and clever little poem that held a very powerful truth. So many of us do wrong, whether intentionally or unintentionally. We make mistakes, we cause hurt, we fail. We sin. But rather than admit to our guilt we blame Mr. Nobody, avoiding the truth.

This passage addresses the same attitude in believers. What’s wrong with claiming to be without sin? What happens when we confess sins? What is the effect of denying sin?

One of the first steps toward salvation is to admit that we are sinful. Paul states in Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Even the thief on the cross was self-aware enough to realize he was being punished justly. He had committed a crime and was condemned for it.

It can be a difficult thing to confess sin. It can be embarrassing to admit your failings and wrong-doings. It certainly can make you feel bad about yourself, admitting you are not perfect. Not only are you not perfect, sometimes you aren’t even “good.”

But when we are honest with ourselves we can receive the forgiveness that comes from Christ. Verse 9 reminds us that Jesus is faithful and just. He will accept our sins and remove them, forgiving us and purifying us. Confessing sin may be painful, but the forgiveness and purification that follows is wonderful.

What is also important to remember is what this all says about the crucifixion. By refusing to admit to our failings we are making Jesus out to be a liar. If we think we are good enough, that we have not sinned, then we are in a sense claiming that the sacrifice of Jesus, the atonement that Christ offers, was not necessary.

As we examine ourselves and our faith, as we look to the cross, we need to be honest with ourselves. We need to be aware that we do indeed need the sacrifice of Jesus for our forgiveness.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you confess your sins every day?