November 27, 2019
MID-WEEK MESSAGE FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
PREP FOR LORD’S SUPPER : CONFESSION.
See 1 John 1: 9, 10. Here’s a vital preparation to qualify to receive the benefits and blessings of forgiveness, peace, joy, prosperity and eternal salvation.- The conditions for obtaining God’s mercy and forgiveness are simple, just and reasonable. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penance (righteousness by works) to commend our souls to God or to atone for our sins. See Prov. 28:13.
The apostle says, Confess your faults one to another, pray for one another, that you may be healed. James 5:16. Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another.
If you have given offense to your friend, fellow church member or neighbor, you are to acknowledge your wrong, and it is his duty freely to forgive you. Then you are to seek the forgiveness of God because the brother you have wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you sinned against his Creator and Redeemer.
The case is brought before the only Mediator, our great High Priest who was tempted in all points like as we are yet without sin and who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and is able to cleanse us from every stain of iniquity. Heb. 4:15. Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt, have not yet fulfilled the FIRST condition of acceptance. If we have not experienced that repentance which is not to be repented of (2 Cor. 7:10), and have not with true humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit confessed our our sins, abhorring iniquity (not its humiliating or painful consequences); and if we have never sought, we have never found the peace of God….The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity.
The psalmist says, ‘The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.’ Ps.34:18.-SC 37, 38. This is how to draw nearer to us and receive His peace! NMF