"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1st John 1:8-10)

The Scriptures clearly teach that we are forgiven in Christ and secure in Him because of the sovereign power of God. We were secure when we were chosen in the covenant of election before the world began. We were secure when Jesus died for us by name on the cross. We were declared secure when He rose from the dead three days later. We were secure when the Holy Spirit irresistibly changed our soul in the new birth. We will be secure and when Jesus returns and finishes His work of redemption by changing our vile bodies into bodies that are incorruptible!

John has already taught us that we can feel forgiven when we walk like Christ and are in full fellowship with Him, but John knows that we are human and prone to error. Therefore, he tells us plainly that God is faithful to forgive. Just as God is faithful to Himself in the covenant of redemption that secured our eternal salvation, God is faithful to forgive us and allow us to be in fellowship with Him when we confess and ask forgiveness.

God has secured our relationship to Him through the work of Jesus Christ, and because He is faithful to Himself, He will forgive us and open the doors of fellowship with Him when we repent and seek His face!