Message #18 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series "Confession"

by Kaye Johns

Repentance is turning away from our sins, a process that begins with our salvation and continues through the turning from every identified sin we deal with from that moment. As we begin to walk with God, His Holy Spirit begins to reveal the obvious sins that plague us. As we repent and turn away from them in His strength, He reveals the more subtle sins. Each layer of sin is dealt with in His light and through His mercy and strength.

There’s a sense in which this is the "feet washing" Jesus spoke of. You remember at the beginning of the Last Supper, Jesus chose to wash the feet of His disciples. [John 13:4] Peter was reluctant until Jesus told Him, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." [John 13:8] Peter characteristically responded -- "then wash my hands and head as well!" Jesus answered him, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean." [John 13:10]

When we are first saved into the Kingdom of God, our baptism symbolizes our dying with Christ and rising to new life. Our sins, past present and future, are forgiven, but developing a life of purity is a struggle because our old sin nature dies hard. Although it is Christ in us Who helps us defeat sin, every time we give in, we are separated from Him until that specific sin is confessed and forgiven. Our feet continually need washing, so that our relationship with Him, our fellowship, is not broken.

And like Peter, we must be willing.

Pray with me now -- Lord, we don’t like to think about the sin in our lives, much less face it. It takes courage, and a deep sense of humility. We need Your help. Amen.

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