Saying “I Have Sinned” — But God did not forgive

By Nick Bibile

Both Achan and Judas said, I have sinned, then why did God did not forgive their sins, why?

“I have sinned against the LORD.” — Joshua 7:20
“I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood.” — Matthew 27:4

Both Achan and Judas spoke words that sounded right. Both openly admitted, “I have sinned.” Yet neither man found forgiveness. Scripture teaches us that confession alone does not save, and sorrow alone does not heal.

What was missing

No turning to God for mercy
No sorrow for offending God, only exposure
No plea for forgiveness

 Their confessions served justice, not repentance.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
(Proverbs 28:13)

Achan confessed only after his sin was exposed. His mouth spoke truth, but his heart never turned to God for mercy. He did not flee to grace—he stood exposed before justice.

Their repentance was not true repentance,  it was emotional anguish, not a heart turned toward God. 

What Judas did instead of repenting He went to the priests, not to God. He fell into despair, not hope. He ended his life, instead of seeking mercy

“Then Judas… repented himself” (Matt. 27:3, KJV)

Thomas Watson wisely warned:

“Confession of sin is no evidence of repentance unless there be forsaking of sin.”
— Thomas Watson

Watson again reminds us:

“Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.”

John Flavel draws the line clearly:

“There is a sorrow that sinks the soul, and a sorrow that saves it; the one is from nature, the other from grace.”
— John Flavel

Judas had the sorrow of nature, not the sorrow of grace.

Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow

Scripture declares:

“The sorrow of the world worketh death: but godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.”
(2 Corinthians 7:10)

Worldly sorrow looks at the pain of sin.
Godly sorrow looks at the evil of sin.

Richard Sibbes tenderly explains:

“Repentance is not a work of nature, but of grace; it is not so much a turning from sin, as a turning to God.”
— Richard Sibbes

Neither Achan nor Judas truly turned to God. One stood silent before judgment; the other fled into despair.

Heart Examination

Pause and examine your own heart:

• Do I confess sin only when exposed, or when convicted?

• Am I grieved more by shame than by offending God?

• When I fall, do I run from God—or to Him?

• Do I believe Christ’s mercy is greater than my guilt?

Thomas Brooks presses this home:

“A man may be convinced of sin, terrified by sin, confess sin, and yet be a stranger to repentance.”
— Thomas Brooks

Gospel Comfort

This devotional is not meant to crush the soul, but to lead it to Christ.

David sinned grievously, yet found mercy. Peter denied Christ bitterly, yet was restored fully. The difference was not the greatness of their sin, but the direction of their faith. The difference was faith.

Achan and Judas both were not forgiven because they never truly came to God. They spoke true words, but their hearts never rested in God’s mercy. Words can be right. Emotions can be strong. But only repentance that leads to Christ brings forgiveness.

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord…”
(Matthew 7:22)

John Owen offers strong comfort:

“The gospel has a remedy for every sin, and a relief for every sorrow of the soul.”
— John Owen

If God has made you aware of your sin, that awareness is mercy. Do not stop at regret. Do not dwell in despair. Go to Christ.

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