Key points include:

• Definition of Confession: The Greek word homologeo means “to agree” or “to say the same thing.” It is not limited to sin but involves agreeing with God. Examples: John the Baptist confessing he is not the Christ (John 1:20); Pharisees confessing belief in resurrection (Acts 23:8). For sin, it means agreeing that specific actions are sin as God defines them, in contrast to denial (1 John 1:6, 8, 10).

• Definition of Sin: Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4)—actions that violate God’s standard. It refers to outward deeds, not thoughts or internal desires (supported by 1 Corinthians 6:18). Thoughts and decisions (trespasses) are offensive to God and were dealt with at the cross, but “sin” specifically denotes completed actions. The process leading to sin is outlined in James 1:13–15: lust/desire → temptation/enticed → trespass (decision) → sin (action) → death. Victory involves resisting at earlier stages with God’s provision of escape.

• Forgiveness of Sins: All sins—past, present, and future—were forgiven at the moment of salvation upon believing the gospel (Acts 10:43; 1 John 2:12). Hebrews 10:17–18 confirms that where forgiveness exists, no further offering for sin is needed. Jesus is the propitiation (satisfaction) for sins (1 John 2:2; Hebrews 2:17; Romans 3:25), the substitute who became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Confession in 1 John 1:9 does not earn forgiveness; it acknowledges sin while resting in the finished work of Christ. The verse highlights God’s faithfulness rather than making confession a condition for forgiveness.

• Purpose of Confession and Cleansing: John writes so believers “may not sin” (1 John 2:1), addressing present-tense salvation (victory over sin in daily life), not past-tense salvation (justification). Confession is the first step in restoring fellowship and right mindset when sin occurs—agreeing with God and being cleansed from all unrighteousness (broader than sin; 1 John 1:9; cf. 1 John 1:7; 2 Peter 1:9; James 4:8). It counters denial and carnal living but is not the complete process; believers must then submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to Him, and set their minds on things above to walk in the light and maintain fellowship.

• Overall Emphasis: Believers must not deny sin’s reality or presence, nor treat ongoing sin lightly. The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin, and Christ remains advocate and propitiation. These fundamentals equip Christians for victory in present-tense salvation.

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He reviews the three tenses of salvation: past (justification), present (sanctification), and future (glorification). Present-tense salvation requires a mental choice to frame the mind on things above, setting self aside so God can work through the believer rather than relying on personal ability.

Tonight’s focus is God the Father’s role and provisions. Key changes in relationship for the saved believer include: becoming part of the household of God (Ephesians 2:18-19), children of God (1 John 3:1-2), and sons with full adult position and privilege (Galatians 3:25-26; 4:1-7; Romans 8:14-17). This sonship means “son placement” (adoption beyond mere childhood), heirship with God, and co-heirship with Christ.

Positional realities include being “in God the Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1), indwelt by the Father (Ephesians 4:6), and partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4). The old nature remains, but a new nature is added, enabling the believer to will and do God’s good pleasure.

Communication with God is primarily directed to the Father. Forms of prayer include: asking (in Jesus’ name/character and according to God’s desirous will, e.g., wisdom in James 1:5-7), intercession, supplication (when unsure what to pray, aided by the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:26), thanksgiving, worship, praise, and confession (1 John 1:9). Philippians 4:6 lists prayer, worship, supplication with thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:18-20 and Colossians 3:17 emphasize giving thanks always to God the Father.

The Father is the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), the One who planned and chose believers before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-6), marked them for son placement, and makes them accepted in the Beloved. He delivers from darkness and transfers into the kingdom of His Son. All spiritual blessings originate from the Father’s plan and good pleasure.

The message closes noting that while the New Testament often highlights the Son and Spirit explicitly, the Father’s foundational role in the decree, provision of gifts, and relationship must not be overlooked. Thanksgiving is rightly directed to Him as the ultimate source.