There is a strange dynamic in Christendom I think. It is the notion that a believer must ask forgiveness for sins that have been committed. Of course we must come to Jesus at a particular point in time as we repent of our sins and receive Him as Savior. But do we also need to ask forgiveness for the sins we commit as believers? Do we think that the cross was not enough...that we must continue now to ask Him to do again what He atoned for at the cross?
I understand what the Lord's prayer says (I will offer an explanation for its content in a later post) but I must ask this question. Do you believe that if you do not ask for Jesus' forgiveness each time you sin that you will not be forgiven? That would indeed be a scary conclusion...that atonement for our sins is only temporary and only good until we commit a new one. Confession is certainly necessary as displayed in I John 1:9 but asking for something we already have perhaps reflects a misunderstanding of what happened at Calvary.
It may be that tradition compels us to continue to ask God to forgive us. The nice deacon always said "forgive us where we fail you" on behalf of the congregation before the offering plates were passed on Sunday morning and so we must do it as well (I was speaking personally there). It could be that people use the word "forgive" when they actually have "confession" in mind. But what should we say when coming to God with a broken and contrite heart over the sin that is so prevalent? May I suggest that we say something that reflects the truth of the cross and let these phrases anchor our confessions before a holy God?
Tetelisty - debt PAID IN FULL...this is Jesus' cry from the cross. Our sin no longer has a grip on us. Hallelujah!! As we seek right relationship with the Almighty, I offer this as a suggestion during our times of confession of specific sins. "I agree with you God that this is sin and is offensive to you. As I confess it before you, I humbly thank you for your forgiveness through the cross."