Leprosy reminds us of sin. It harms and even corrupts the body. It spreads. It leads to death.
For good reason, we shudder in disgust and fear when we think of either leprosy or sin.
But, there is hope. We do have a Savior! “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And He answers us, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9.
We know forgiveness of sins. We know these verses.
But, I was reminded of the importance of believers continually asking God to forgive their sins by a Standard Bearer article that I read yesterday titled “Justification: Considering the Judgment Day with Singular Delight” by Rev. Angus Stewart in the November 1, 2009 Special Reformation Issue on John Calvin – 500th Anniversary with the following quote at page 59. As a side note, this issue contained a lot of great articles on John Calvin, and I particularly recommend this issue and include a link herein to it – Click here: http://www.rfpa.org/downloads/8603.pdf
“Third, justification includes the continual forgiveness of sins. It is not something that we receive once and for all at the very start of our Christian life, as many in evangelical circles believe and teach. Calvin explains that in the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer (“forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”), we who are already believers continually ask God to remit our sins:
M. What does the fifth petition contain?
S. That the Lord would pardon our sins…. When Christ gave this form of prayer, he designed it for the whole Church (p. 79).
In his Institutes, the Genevan Reformer affirms,
…we must have this blessedness [of justification] not just once but must hold to it throughout life…the embassy of free reconciliation is published [i.e., preached] not just for one day or another but is attested as perpetual in the church (3.14.11).”
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 