God is holy, so sin is serious. God is gracious, so sin can be forgiven. On the cross his holiness and grace kiss. (Paul David Tripp, Journey to the Cross)
The Lenten season is about the sin that was the reason for the suffering and sacrifice of the Savior. It is about taking time to reflect on why we all needed such a radical move of redemption, to confess the hold that sin still has on us, and to focus on opening our hands, in confession and submission, and letting go of sin once again.
But as we do this, it is important to remember that the knowledge of sin is not a dark and nasty thing but a huge and wonderful blessing. If you are aware of your sin, you are aware of it only because you have been visited by amazing grace. Don’t resist that awareness. Silence your inner lawyer and all the self-defending arguments for your righteousness. Quit relieving your guilt by pointing a finger of blame at someone else. And stop telling yourself in the middle of a sermon that you know someone who really needs to hear it.
Be thankful that you have been chosen to bear the burden of the knowledge of sin because that burden is what drove you and will continue to drive you to seek the help and rescue that only the Savior Jesus can give you. To see sin clearly is a sure sign of God’s grace. Be thankful.”
Reflection Questions
- In a typical week, how aware are you of the depth of your sin? When was the last time you wept over your sin?
- Do you usually view the conviction of the Spirit as a blessing to be pursued or a burden to be avoided? Why?
- What habits and disciplines help you foster an inner spirit of confession and repentance?
Read and meditate on Psalm 51:1–12, using it as a template for a time of confession.