1st John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This passage of scripture teaches us of the necessity of confession, in order that forgiveness and cleansing can take place. The Bible gives many examples of fallen human beings like ourselves, confessing their sins before God in a spirit of humility, and thereby being restored and reinstated to His favor. Without confession, the restorative process cannot begin or take place, for by refusing to acknowledge we have done wrong, we place ourselves outside the realm of God's saving grace, which is provided only for those who admit that they are in the wrong, where applicable. It may be a particular sin or sins, or it may be an independent and self-opinionated attitude that may need to be confessed, but whatever the case might be, once there is any known sin in our lives, confession is required to start the healing process.
Judas did not follow this Biblical route, but instead became deeply offended when his faults and errors were brought to his attention. Even when this was done in the most vague manner by Christ, in order to avoid his public embarrassment, he still became upset and indignant at the thought of being wrong, and because of his own attitude, he placed himself in a position where Christ could not reach him. The same attitude was manifested in many of the Jews of Christ's day, where they became violent and maddened when the truth was spoken to them by Christ and His disciples. In the instance of the stoning of Stephen, they rushed upon him and started to literally chew off his head, instead of humbly acknowledging that they had indeed crucified The Son of God. This attitude is productive of great harm to those who indulge it, and as Christians we should ask God to always grant us a humble and teachable spirit, that can be guided and molded by His grace. Let's read:
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
If we have sinned, or if we have harbored wrong sentiments towards God, and the Holy Spirit brings it to our attention, let us therefore be ready and quick to acknowledge our faults, and go to God with confession, so that His mercies may be poured upon us , and so that the needed cleansing from all unrighteousness can take place as soon as possible. Delay in this matter should be avoided at all costs, for when we put off for another day or time, the work of confessing our sins, pride and arrogancy usually develops, and it is often the case, that with the passage of time, the need to repent and confess seems less and less urgent or even necessary, and thus we can back ourselves into a corner of stoical pride or stubborness.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which teaches us the right attitude to cultivate in our relationship with God, and if we humble ourselves under His mighty hand, He will lift us up in due season. Let's read:
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!