In Isaiah Chapter six we see the order of events that lead to salvation. First, Isaiah had to become aware of his own sin and uncleanness before he could worship God as he should. In the presence of a thrice holy God, he confessed his sinfulness and the sinfulness of the nation as a whole. They have uncleans lips! As Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, unclean lips illustrate an unclean heart.
In Isaiah’s vision of the angels praising God, he saw God as He really was! Perfectly HOly in all respects! It is in seeing God for who His really is that we can see ourselves for who we really are. Only then can we accurately evaluate our condition. We are sinful and deserving of God’s judgment.
But Isaiah’s confession resulted in God’s reaching down to purify him. Confession must precede cleansing. John wrote in 1 John 1:9, “if we confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and CLEANSE US from all unrighteousness.”
It’s good to be forgiven!