Confessing and Forgiving: Part 1 of 3

Preview: A lesson about the necessity of owning up to our transgressions in order for the Lord to forgive and forget our trespasses. This is the first part of a three-part series of lessons on this subject.


Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10.

Memory Verse: II Corinthians 5:17.

1. From the foregoing Scriptures, what is a sinner’s only hope?
2. What can make the difference in our lives according to the preceding Scripture Reading and Memory Verse?
Note: All have sinned and come short of the glory of God but the goodness and mercy of God calls all to repentance. When we answer His call through faith and confession, we become new creatures in Christ.
3. How did John explain the process of confession and forgiveness? I John 1:6-10.
4. Did Paul make it clear that God has only one way for both Jew and Gentile? Ephesians 2:13-22.
Note: Many believe that God gave the Jews one set of laws and another to the Gentiles, but there is only one way to obtain forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus Christ who was the Lamb of God from the foundation of the world is that way.
5. Did the saints of old fully comprehend this? Ephesians 3:1-6 & Romans 10:12.
6. What is God willing to do for all who seek His forgiveness? Psalm 86:5 & Isaiah 55:6-7.
7. Why does He manifest such mercy and readiness to forgive? Psalm 78:38-39, Micah 7:18 & II Peter 3:9.
8. What is the measure of God’s mercy? Psalm 103:10-11.
9. What should we do if we realize we are guilty of sin? I Samuel 12:18-21 & Romans 10:9.
Note: We should confess and forsake our sins regardless of how small or great they appear to be. God’s love and mercy is greater than we can comprehend, and He is eager and able to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:5-9.
10. What will our fate be if we fail to confess and forsake our sins? I Samuel 12:24-25 & Hebrews 10:26-27.
11. How completely does God want to separate us from sin? Psalm 103:12.
Note: When we know that we are sinners and refuse to change, we face eternal destruction. When God forgives us, He erases our past from His records. This is the same kind of forgiveness that we should extend to one another and to ourselves. We must forget the things that are behind. Philippians 3:13.

To Be Continued…

Other Lessons* in this series:

Confessing and Forgiving: Part 1 of 3
Confessing and Forgiving: Part 2 of 3
Confessing and Forgiving: Part 3 of 3

*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.