SEEKING FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION
(For a person who has received Christ, but has failed Him and now seeks forgiveness.)
1. Repent and Confess to God
The BIBLE says: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
What must we do to be forgiven? __________ ________ ________.
What does God say He will do if we confess? _________ ________ ________.
To confess means to "agree" with God. I agree that I lied or cheated or was unkind or lost my temper. Be specific as you silently confess your sin to God.
God's Way
PEACE JOY FULLNESS OF LIFE
Walking in truth (obedience) . . . in the light . . . in the Spirit
IMPATIENCE
UNRULY TONGUE
IMPURITY
DISHONESTY
FRUSTRATION
OUR WAY
GUILT
UNHAPPINESS
Sin takes us off God's pathway to peace and joy. Confession puts us back on God's pathway.
THE RESTORATION
ROAD Galatians
6:1
2. Determine to Forsake Any Known Sin in Your Life
The BIBLE says: "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
What happens if we cover our sins?
We ________ _______ ____________.
Following confession we must ______________ our sins.
3. Make Right Any Known Wrongs
It is important not only to confess and forsake sin, but also to make things right with anyone we may have wronged.
The BIBLE says: "I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man" (Acts 24:16, NIV).
4. Renewed Fellowship Will Be the Result
The BIBLE says: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7, NIV).