Come Clean, Come Clear

 Come Clean, Come Clear

Scripture: Luke 18:13 (KJV)

"God be merciful to me a sinner."

Personal Reflection

The old evangelistic appeal, "Come clean, come clear," beautifully summarizes the message of the Scripture call of repentance. Before God, there is no value in pretending, hiding, bargaining, or defending ourselves. The Holy Spirit strips away every mask until we stand honestly before a holy God.

When conviction reaches its proper work, the sinner stops blaming parents, circumstances, society, or anyone else. He no longer minimizes his guilt. Like the publican in Christ's parable, he simply pleads for mercy. This is not despair but hope, because God never rejects the truly repentant heart. 

Even mature believers must repeatedly "come clean and come clear." Though our sins have been forgiven judicially, daily fellowship with God flourishes through honest confession and humble repentance. Pride keeps us distant from God; confession restores sweet communion.

The cross remains the safest place for honest sinners. There we find justice fully satisfied and mercy freely offered. Christ has already borne the punishment our sins deserved. Therefore, we need never fear bringing every failure into His presence.

God does not bless hypocrisy, but He delights in broken and contrite hearts.

Contemplation

Is there anything I have been hiding from God that I need to confess openly before Him today?

Puritan Quote

Thomas Watson wrote:

"Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet."

Prayer

Merciful Father, I come clean and come clear before You. Search my heart, forgive my sins, and restore the joy of close fellowship through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Application

Take time today to confess specific sins to God instead of speaking only in general terms.