Thanksgiving in Every Confession

John 6:18

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

Jesus instructed His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to them after He departed the earth.  He let them know that the Holy Spirit would be their counselor.  He taught them that the Holy Spirit would convince them of their sin and reveal to them the penalty for sin that is required by a righteous and holy God.  He also let the disciples know that the Holy Spirit would be their comforter.  He taught them that the Holy Spirit would be with them to show them the need for their Redeemer and the value of the gift of salvation.

We have been taught through the Holy Word of the promise of Almighty God to forgive our sins if we confess them before Him and repent.  As we go through the process of asking for forgiveness, the Holy Spirit will remind us that the only reason that Our Heavenly Father can forgive us is because Jesus Christ died on the Cross for our sins and confirm that had Jesus not become sin for us, Almighty God in His righteousness could not forgive our sin.  

The Holy Spirit will also lead us to relish and savor the gift that we have been given.  The Holy Spirit will begin a new work in our hearts so that we may understand the treasure that is ours through the Cross.  May we bring our thanksgiving with us to each confession that we make as we revel in the completed work of Our Redeemer. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to convict us of the folly, fault and filth of our sins and to teach us the only way that we can avoid the penalty of separation from You for all eternity because of our sins.  We exalt the name of Jesus, who took on all of our sins, so that we may stand before You one day in His image.  We pray, Lord, that we will be forever mindful and eternally thankful for the love gift that You have provided through Your endless grace and mercy.