Thank you, Justin, for reaching out with your prayer request. We appreciate your honesty and your desire for forgiveness.
Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that lying is indeed a sin, and it's crucial to seek forgiveness from God. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 6:16-19 (WEB) that God hates deceit and lying. However, God is always ready to forgive those who come to Him with a repentant heart. As it is written in 1 John 1:9 (WEB), "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
As you have asked God for forgiveness in Jesus name, we believe that you have been forgiven. As John the apostle wrote: He "Is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world." he paid for our sins with his blood and the price has been paid for our sins.
Message to readers, notice how the previous paragraph did not give assurance by reducing sin such as in the comment "God understands." or "we all do it." or "it's not too bad." Reducing sin demeans what Jesus did for us.
Rebuking: You mentioned that you hope you don't have to speak about this matter again because of weird things happening. We must be careful not to let discomfort or fear keep us from being transparent and accountable. The spiritual warfare you are mentioning should be addressed. We should confront the darkness by the truth using the power in Jesus. More discussion about confession and forgiveness is available and we should not fear the power of Jesus to overcome the father of lies, Satan. Justin in Psalms 91:5 (WEB), "You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day." However, if submissive silence is requested from a Godly friend then that should be obeyed. Do not use the excuse of 'not being judgmental' to avoid addressing wrongdoing that should be corrected by your spiritual brothers and sisters and friends as necessary.
Remember, after confessing to God, if this lie has affected others, it might be necessary to seek their forgiveness as well. Also, consider the circumstances that led you to lie. If it involves impure situations or relationships, then it's important to address those as well.
Justin, we also want to mention that we noticed you used the word 'virginity' but avoided the actual act involved. Pornography, sexual acts (sexual immorality), etc. Many people claim to be Christian but have committed sexual immorality or had sex before marriage and call it 'lost virginity' which should be called 'fornication.'
Let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we approach You in Jesus' name to intercede for Justin and seek Your forgiveness on his behalf. Justin is feeling that he has sinned against You, and surely he has, as we all have. We do not bring this request with bargaining. We know as in Ephesians 2:8 WEB, "“by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,“ Therefore You, Father, can be counted on to forgive Justin as You have forgiven us. Your word tells us in 1 John 1:9 (WEB) that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Justin has confessed his sin and asked for forgiveness, comfort him with confirmation that he has been forgiven.
But we come together reading further in the word in 1 John 2:1 (WEB), “My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.” Father we pray to have the strength to assist in confronting sin in us, our communities, families, friends, others, and in the world.
Your word tells us in Ephesians 6:12 (WEB) "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." We must not be afraid to confront, rebuke, and deal with sin. Help us accept confessions and not be afraid to listen and encourage others regarding sin. The saved should not be concerned with the thoughts of those perishing about opinions about judgment. Justice is on our side even though we are saved by grace. Thank You for Jesus being our advocate and counsel, which supports us to act in being honest, loving, and righteous to ourselves and our community. If the community is ashamed of speaking the whole truth then we need to address our community for You are with us and truth, kindness, and love will set others free. Help us not to be afraid to insist that sin be confronted with and in the power of Jesus.
Help Justin to if he has sinned against anyone else to seek their forgiveness. May You give him the grace and wisdom to deal with any pressure or underlying issues that led to this situation. Equip him with Your strength to resist temptation and to walk in Your truth and the freedom of Jesus who is our only way to salvation. Help Justin in every situation to not compromise holiness and to consult with Your Community, the Church, so he may discern wisely how he is to act. As Your word tells us in Ephesians 5:27 (wEB) " He did this to present the assembly to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless." Help us to all avoid any hint of sexual immorality. Remind us that it is not too late to stop anything that has not occurred. Give us confidence in You concerning fear of temptation and what to expect.
Lastly, help Justin to not fear truth and that by your grace he will be confident in his transparency with You and to those in his Christian community. Ephesians 3:12 (WEB), “in whom (Christ) we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.” Guide him in renewal as you word says " Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him; to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” says Yahweh. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." And "if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open, and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there forever; and my eyes and my heart will be there perpetually. Power to confess, forgive, and restore has been made available to the Church in unity." Your word tells us in Matthew 18:18 (WEB) that "Most certainly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” Remind us that Jesus is Shalom and in Acts 10:36 (WEB), "Her (the church) who is the Spiritual Body of Jesus is peace that passes all understanding. Peace so complete is available to us because of the nature of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ that we may keep each other’s hearts and thoughts through Christ Jesus. Because Jesus all powerful who held the keys to death and hell for the church is with us and nothing is impossible for us. "
Thank you and we ask these things in Jesus Christ our Savior and Coming King name. Amen