In the book of Leviticus, we find a peculiar regulation regarding leprosy, which, at first glance, may seem counterintuitive. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a profound truth about the nature of sin, confession, and redemption.
As we delve into this passage, we will draw upon the Scriptures and insights of esteemed Christian writers, including Charles Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, Watchman Nee, and D.L. Moody, to illuminate the transformative power of confession and the boundless mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Leprosy of Sin
Leviticus 13:13 states, “Behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague.” This verse seems paradoxical, as one would expect a person completely consumed by leprosy to be deemed unclean. However, the throwing out of the disease proved that the constitution was sound, indicating a deeper spiritual truth.
As Spurgeon so eloquently puts it,
“We, too, are lepers, and may read the law of the leper as applicable to ourselves.”
We are all afflicted with the leprosy of sin, which has defiled every aspect of our being. Our natural response might be to try to hide or downplay our sin, but this only perpetuates the disease. It is only when we confront the reality of our sin, acknowledging our utter depravity and helplessness, that we can begin to experience the cleansing power of God’s grace.
The Dangers of Self-Righteousness and Hidden Sin
C.S. Lewis warns us,
“The greatest sin is to think that one is not a sinner.”
Self-righteousness is a deadly trap that prevents us from recognizing our true condition and seeking help. As Tozer notes,
“The most critical factor in our relationship with God is our willingness to be honest with Him about our sin.”
Hidden, unfelt, and unconfessed sin is the true leprosy that plagues our souls. But when we bring our sin into the light, acknowledging its presence and our powerlessness to overcome it, we open the door to redemption. Watchman Nee writes,
“When we see our sin, we are already on the road to recovery.”
The Hope of Confession
Confession is the key to unlocking the cleansing power of God’s mercy. As D.L. Moody emphasizes, “The moment we confess our sin, God is ready to forgive us.” When we come to Jesus, acknowledging our guilt and helplessness, He looks upon us with eyes of mercy, pronouncing us clean.
The thief on the cross, the woman who was a sinner, Saul of Tarsus, Manasseh, and the prodigal son – all these examples demonstrate that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and forgiveness. As the hymn goes:
“Come to him, then, poor heavy-laden sinner,
Come needy, come guilty, come loathsome and bare;
You can’t come too filthy—come just as you are.”
In the depths of our sin, we find the hope of redemption. When we confront the reality of our depravity, confessing our guilt and helplessness, we open the door to the cleansing power of God’s mercy. As we come to Jesus, just as we are, we can trust that He will pronounce us clean, restoring us to a right relationship with Himself.
May this be our guiding principle:
“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
John 6:37 NIV
Let us come to Jesus, acknowledging our sin and our need for His forgiveness, and experience the transformative power of His love and mercy.
Admit you’re a sinner in need of a Savior.
Believe that God made a way where there was no way by Sending His only begotten Son to die on the Cross for your Sins.
Choose to find and follow Jesus the rest of your days here on earth.
He has first loved you. He pursued you. He rescued you.
Come home.
Scripture References:
- Leviticus 13:13
- Romans 3:23
- Isaiah 64:6
- 1 John 1:9
- John 6:37
Supporting Quotes:
- Charles Spurgeon: “We, too, are lepers, and may read the law of the leper as applicable to ourselves.”
- C.S. Lewis: “The greatest sin is to think that one is not a sinner.”
- A.W. Tozer: “The most critical factor in our relationship with God is our willingness to be honest with Him about our sin.”
- Watchman Nee: “When we see our sin, we are already on the road to recovery.”
- D.L. Moody: “The moment we confess our sin, God is ready to forgive us.”

Leave a comment