Inital thoughts on 1st John 1:8-10

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1stJohn1:8-10

How often it is that we Christians like to act like we don't sin or if we do admit our sin we treat it lightly with cheap grace. These verses from 1st John are so powerful. Verse 8 is all about keeping it real. We need to admit daily we sin, its like Pastor John Piper says "I have to preach the Gospel to myself every day". This verse is speaking in the present tense as is v9, I need to get real with God everyday, I don't want to deceive myself into thinking I'm something I'm not. I need the truth in me. Verse 9 offers so much hope. I know I'm going to screw up and I can't hide so I must be honest. He promises if we confess to him where we screw up He will forgive us. I want that forgiveness, I need that forgiveness. V10 is so powerful as well, If I lie and say I don't sin or haven't sinned I make Him a liar and His word isn't in me. Wow, calling God a liar, that is the last thing I want to do.
There is so much in this little 5 chapter book, its got a lot of theology in it. I'm so thankful I can go to the throne of grace and receive mercy.