And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

1 John 2:28

I love to wear black for two reasons. First, it goes well with my dark hair and eyes. Second, it doesn’t show dirt. I can wear a white blouse for about five minutes before I get it dirty. When I wear black, I can still look clean at the end of the day. Though the dirt is most definitely there, it is not visible.

I am a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. And so, I hold to the promise that my sins—past, present, and future—are forgiven. Jesus bought me and cleansed me with His blood, and one day I will stand before God dressed in white—in the righteousness of Jesus. (John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21)

We believers look forward to a future salvation from the presence of sin. But this side of heaven, we still struggle with sin. Even as my black clothing can hide dirt, I can often hide my sin from others. But I cannot hide my sin from the One who knows everything about me, and yet, amazingly loves me beyond measure. The love of Jesus will not settle for my being less than He created me to be.

And so, as I walk with Jesus day by day, He lovingly reveals my sin. The light of His Presence exposes my sin. (Psalm 90:8) As I study and meditate upon scripture, God identifies my sin, leads me toward repentance (confessing sin and turning from it), and trains me in His righteous ways. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Those who walk with Jesus are cleansed!

Do you feel soiled spiritually? Belief that Jesus is the risen Son of God and reigning Lord of all brings everlasting forgiveness. Be confident, believer! Choose to walk with Jesus daily. Yes, the light of His Presence will reveal present sin, but He will also empower you to turn from that sin and walk in His righteousness.

Jan Burkhart