“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).

“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God” (Genesis 14:18).

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).

There are not many people or things in life that are truly indispensable. Some are, however, and anyone who ignores these is infinitely foolish and shortsighted.