Test # 2 – Relationship with Sin
1 John 1:8 – 10
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
John is establishing our relationship the Father and the Son in relation to sin in these verses. Each of these verses begins with a condition we at times will find ourselves in. If we live in this condition, John supplies the result of the agreement with the condition supplied
Living in Denial
Let’s start off with verse 8.
Condition
If we say we have no sin. Notice this is denying the existence of sin in the believers life. His audience must have understood the sin problem prior to their salvation, since to become a believer, sin must be confessed and repented of. (Somewhat ironic that they were in a better position as lost souls than they are now!)
John is addressing a group of believers, who after coming to know the righteous Savior, considered themselves to be “practically” righteous. I say practically, since the Word does describe believers as positionally righteous. This is not John’s point. John is speaking to believers who, according to verse 9, are capable of sinning, and will need a relief of this burden.
Result
One result comes out of being in this condition. Self deception. How dangerous this condition is. How very dangerous.
This condition’s fulfilled results in the believer existing in a state of falsehood. A self imposed delusion of being incapable of committing sin. A sinful state in reality!
No-one other than self is to blame for this darkness of existence. This is not the result of satanic attacks – it is simply the result of loving your life.
When I have considered my own standing before God, and found it “worthy” of acceptance, I always tend toward pride. But didn’t the Scriptures state that we are to boast in the Lord Jesus only?
Declaring “no sin” in my life produces a proud heart, dangerously close to declaring an independence from God’s provisions, and creating a state of separation from all others. Who wants to be around Mr Perfection?
Jesus Himself, the only One who could state this claim of “no sin” and defend the truth of it, described Himself as lowly and humble. A believer, living in this darkness will justify this bogus claim.
Follow Him who is humble.
I hope you found a truth that was helpful in your life within this post. Drop me a line, or send this post to a friend that you thought of recently.
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