1 John 1 [SUP]7 [/SUP]But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. [SUP]8 [/SUP]If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [SUP]9 [/SUP]If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [SUP]10 [/SUP]If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
He only cleanses us if we are walking in the light as He is in the light. So this begs the question: If we then sin - how do we restore fellowship in walking in the light? Through confession and forsaking our sins. This is the way that our Lord made available to us. The bible says that he who "confesses" AND "forsakes" his sins will obtain MERCY (Proverbs 28v13). And this we are to do if we are to remain walking in the light.
Then we have the words of Jesus to the 7 churches in Revelation: Ch2v5; 2v16; 2v21; 2v22; 3v3; 3v19 --- the common theme to those already in Christ (the churches) is repentance.
Look at Romans 2: [SUP]4 [/SUP]Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God
leads you to repentance? [SUP]5 [/SUP]But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, [SUP]6 [/SUP]who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:[SUP][
a][/SUP]
[SUP]7 [/SUP]eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; [SUP]8 [/SUP]but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, [SUP]9 [/SUP]tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; [SUP]10 [/SUP]but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [SUP]11 [/SUP]For there is no partiality with God.
Look at the book of Acts Chapter 8:
Simon the sorcerer became a believer - Acts 8[SUP]13 [/SUP]Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.)
Then we see shortly thereafter: Acts 8v20-23
[SUP]20 [/SUP]But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! [SUP]21 [/SUP]You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. [SUP]22 [/SUP]
Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be
forgiven you. [SUP]23 [/SUP]For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
This is but just a few examples throughout scripture explaining this truth. There are so many more.