Connect Jeremiah 14:20 with 1 John 1:9 on confessing sins. Connecting the Old and New: A Journey of Confession “We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD, the guilt of our fathers; indeed, we have sinned against You.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jeremiah’s Picture of Honest Confession • Israel speaks collectively—“we.” Sin is admitted without excuse. • The nation names two layers of guilt: – Their own wickedness (“our wickedness”). – Generational sin (“the guilt of our fathers”). • The plea is rooted in covenant: the LORD is the one they have wronged (see Leviticus 26:40–42). New-Covenant Clarity in 1 John 1:9 • Confession remains personal but now rests on Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 9:14). • God’s response is guaranteed by two attributes: – Faithfulness—He keeps His promise (Numbers 23:19). – Justice—sin has been paid for at the cross (Romans 3:24–26). • Two outcomes mirror Jeremiah’s hope: forgiveness and cleansing. Shared Threads across the Testaments • Sin must be named, not hidden (Proverbs 28:13). • Confession is verbal—spoken to God, not merely felt (Psalm 32:5). • God’s character, not our merit, secures pardon (Exodus 34:6–7; Titus 3:5). What Confession Looks Like Today – Agree with God about specific sins—call them what Scripture calls them. – Include both personal actions and any patterns you have inherited or perpetuated. – Trust that forgiveness is immediate because Christ’s sacrifice is complete (Colossians 2:13–14). – Receive cleansing: allow Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit to reshape thoughts and habits (Ephesians 5:26; Galatians 5:16). Living the Cleansed Life • Keep short accounts with God; confess promptly. • Let gratitude replace guilt—serve in the freedom forgiveness provides (Psalm 51:12–13). • Encourage others with the same promise: the God who pardoned a wayward nation is the same faithful and just Lord who forgives today. |
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