Taking a Look at 1 John

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.”- 1 John 2:1-2 New Living Translation

            John begins chapter 2 by addressing his readers as dear children. That greeting is not meant to be as one looking down on another, but rather as a father would address his children. Remember, John is very old at this time and many of his readers were more than likely brought to faith in Christ by John. Everything he has said up to this point was meant to keep the brethren from sinning, but if they do sin, there is someone who will stand up for them. That person is Jesus Christ. So whenever we sin and yes, believers will sin although it shouldn’t be a reflection of their new lifestyle, Christ acts as a defense attorney on our behalf. 

            We must understand that those outside the faith always have a chance to be redeemed because no one is beyond forgiveness as long as the final trump hasn’t blown. Also, those in God’s family may always come once again to our Heavenly Father no matter what we may have done because while none of us are beyond sinning, we too are never beyond God’s forgiveness either. It is obviously much better that we do not sin, but due to our human condition and the fact that sanctification is progressive; we will slip up and sin from time to time. The sooner we confess to the Lord the sooner forgiveness shall be ours.

            Christ’s death was the only payment necessary to restore fellowship with Almighty God. That payment is available to everyone in creation, but not all partake of it and not everyone will, no matter how much time they are given. So know this and always remember that God made a way for you to live with him forever. It’s just a matter of turning from sin, asking for and receiving forgiveness and committing your life to the Lord.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.