Taking a Look at 1 John

“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” -          1 John 1:8-10 New Living Translation

            All of mankind has sinned at one time or another. Without a guideline to follow it is a foregone conclusion that we will sin. To say we have no sin is both arrogant and ignorant. The apostle Paul says in his letter to the Romans believers “… all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, … “_{(Romans 3:23 Amplified Bible)}. So if anyone honestly believes they are free from sin they are only fooling themselves.

            John makes sure his readers understand that confession is key to the removal of sin from our lives. It’s the same as with the alcoholic, drug user or chronic gambler, you must first admit you have a problem. Sin is a big, life altering, eternal problem. To not recognize that you have a sin problem is to not know the difference between right and wrong or good and evil. We don’t get to set up those rules. God does, because only God can set up rules that apply to all and are equally fair and just.  Confessing the existence of sin in our lives opens the door to a spiritual cleansing of magnificent proportions.

            Those who insist they are not riddled with sin are calling God a liar, impugning his character and his very nature. It proves that the word of God has no place in their life. Some day we will all stand before God. There will be no debates. No pleading. No negotiations. The creation has nothing to offer the Creator by silence. Once face to face with the Almighty, we will know without one word being said that we are totally unworthy to be in his presence; that we are indeed sinful and in need of a cleansing. May we all realize this before the White Throne Judgment when it will be too late. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible.