“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:7-9

“Amnesty” means “the act of an authority by which pardon is granted” (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary) Christianity grants amnesty to all who truly believe its message. Amnesty, pardon, forgiveness are God’s beautiful words for our soul.

Amnesty Day – Holiday Inn declared “Towel Amnesty Day” on August 28, 2003. Holiday Inn declared that all people who had stolen towels from them through the years were granted amnesty and were forgiven. The motel chain even asked for the forgiven former offenders to send them the recorded stories of how the towels were stolen and where they were used. So, now you can turn in that old towel!

God in Christ offers amnesty in the forgiveness of the Gospel. “Amnesty” means “to take from the mind.” “Forgiveness” means to “send away.” The blood of Christ takes our sins from His mind, and He remembers our sin no more. The Gospel sends our sins away from our hearts forever. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

I. We should tell God our sin – “If we confess our sins . . .” Confess means “to say the same thing” as God does. We must be honest and tell God our sins and be honest with ourselves and with God.

II. We should trust God about our sin. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” We can trust God to forgive us because the Cross allows God to be just and holy yet forgive a sinner who broke God’s Law.

III. We should thank God concerning our sins. “To cleanse us of all unrighteousness.” A repentant sinner told his Pastor, “I have confessed my sins a thousand times yet I do not feel forgiven.” The Pastor said, “Confess your sin one time and say, “Thank you for forgiving me” a thousand times!”

Do you deal with guilt, grief, or regret? Have you made mistakes that you cannot forget? Through the blood of Jesus Christ, God has chosen to forget your sins. When you accept Jesus Christ you are made righteous. God will not mention your sins to you again. God has forgiven you now you should forgive yourself. Let God return unto you the joy of His salvation. He has granted you complete amnesty now and forever. “Go, and sin no more.” When you fail, confess. He has already granted you Him amnesty.