Sin's Truth
We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1
A man once rebuked me for admitting that I still sin and often need forgiveness. He quoted verses 6 and 9 of 1 John 3 and said that a Christian does not sin, implying that I was not a Christian. I assured him that I do not want to sin, but that I cannot say that I am always Christlike in everything I think, say, and do. I suggested that the verses in 1 John 3 refer to a sinful lifestyle, and I pointed him to other verses in 1 John which teach that Christians still sin and still need forgiveness (1:8-10; 2:1).
Becoming like Christ is a lifelong process (Roms 1:8). Only in heaven will we be without sin. I believe that is why John warned us to beware of three lies about sin:
First, saying “we have fellowship with (Christ)” while we “walk in darkness” (1 Jn 1:6).
Second, saying “we have no sin” (v.8).
And third, saying, “we have not sinned” (v.10).
Following each lie, he gave us the truth.
First, if we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (v 7).
Second, if we confess our sins, He forgives and cleanses us (v.9).
And third, if we sin, we have an Advocate, the Lord Jesus speaks in our defence before the Father (2:1).
Christians are not sinless, but we should sin less.
Read
1 John 1:1-10.
Prayer
Jehovah God, Please help me, Lord, in all I do To act and think with motives true; And by Your love reveal to me Those sins that only You can see. In the name of Jesus, I ask. Amen.
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