Re: Word of Faith: "Metaphysical" "Gnostic" "Cultic" "Not really Christian"-Justin Pe
I understand. I had the same thoughts...it's natural because of our church teachings backgrounds.
Let's "flesh" this out. Let's say that someone gets angry and swears in traffic. What happens if they have not asked for forgiveness for that sin? They die an hour later from a heart attack. What happens to them? Can we go to be with the Lord with sin that is unconfessed if we need to confess it in order to obtain forgiveness?
Now you are reading into the verse,.,it doesn't say you HAVE to confess to be forgiven.
It reassures you that if you do confess, God will welcome you back with open arms.
I guess I never looked at it as a commandment or law that you HAD to confess to be forgiven.
Personally I always saw God's hand in my conviction, repentance and confession of any sin. If God didn't reach out like the loving Father He is, then I would continue to sin against my brothers and sisters and hurt them by my words and actions, I would continue to do,things my way and not God's way through my pride and arrogance.
I would make assumptions about others, throw stones and judge them for faults I myself display through my words, thoughts and actions.
Instead God has taught me to see God's love and grace when He first convicts me,out my sins, I see His wisdom when I repent of my sins and I am revived in His love when I confess to Him my transgressions for He heals and restored me.
Death isn't the end, it's the beginning of eternity with God face to face.
I know this life is but a journey I travel for my Heavenly Father. I am His ambassador reminding people that our Father is calling us back home through the work of His son Jesus Christ who died for our sins so that we might approach the throne cleansed and holy.
It hurts my heart to watch people each candy coated dung and pretend that it's from God.
This life is temporary. God's promises are for eternity.
If you lust for material wealth, earthly power and prestige in this world, then you are an enemy of God.