“When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:2,3).

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

This familiar promise is often quoted as a sort of pat formula for dealing with sin in a believer’s life. Simply identify and acknowledge the sin, and all is forgiven.

“Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him” (II Corinthians 5:9).

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18).

“All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).