In his book , Encounters with Jesus, Tim Keller makes this wonderful observation:
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“I John 1:9 says that ‘if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.’
Notice it does not say that if Christians confess their sins God forgives because he mercifully gives them another chance.
No, it says he forgives because he is faithful and just.
To not forgive us would be unjust.”
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Doesn’t that sound strange?
God would be unjust to forgive us?
But as Keller notes, that’s exactly what I John says, and exactly what Jesus as advocate means.
Keller explains:
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“Jesus Christ can say, in effect, ‘Father, my people have sinned, and the law demands that the wages of sin be death.
But I have paid for those sins.
See, here is my blood, the token of my death!
On the cross, I have paid the penalty for these sins completely.
Now, if anyone were to exact two payments for the same sin, it would be unjust.
And so — I am not asking mercy for them; I’m asking for justice’.
….This is why John could say that when Christians confess their sins they are forgiven because the justice of God now demands it!
….When you say from the heart, ‘Father, accept me because of what Jesus did,’ then Jesus’ work on the cross is transferred to your account.
Now the law of God demands your acquittal.”
