Even though believers have been granted salvation through Christ they will still continue to sin. However as they grow spiritually they will have more control over their actions and develop stronger resistance to the temptation to sin. As God cannot stand sin, He has provided a way for His own to deal with the daily slips that they have. As found in 1 John 1:9
"If we confess our sin He is faithful and just to
forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness."
Believers are called on to confess their sin and He has promised to forgive what is confessed. 2 Corinthians 5:18 - "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation."
Matthew 6:23-24 - "therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift."
Matthew 18: 15 - "moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone, if he hears you, you have gained your brother."
God’s children have been called to a ministry of reconciliation, of making things right. Therefore if there are things that are not right, they are not fulfilling their ministry from the Lord. This in turn interferes with their fellowship with God and spiritual growth. To be reconciled to one’s spiritual brother allows God’s continued blessing.
To be reconciled means 'to be made right.' If a believer has offended someone then that offence needs to be removed and that is done by going to the person and making right the offence, whatever it is. This may involve a physical restitution. For example by returning or replacing something that was stolen or correcting a lie and its results.
Although reconciliation is not a condition of forgiveness is a condition for spiritual growth so if one doesn’t want to remain a baby Christian, they must practise this.
Psalm 66:18 - "if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear."
Isaiah 59: 2 - "but your iniquities have separated you from your God and your sins have hidden His face from you."
These verses are pretty well self-explanatory. If we want to have our prayers heard and answered experience His leading and blessing, then we need to take care of sin as soon as possible.
Growing in Him - Joanne
