The Claim

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER OF JOHN

THE CLAIM

1 John 1:8-10

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

NIV

It is thought there were those who did not think they were guilty of sin, and therefore in no need of a Savior. It is also thought by some scholars these poor souls were spreading their heretical teachings among the church. What John writes here echoes the words of Paul to the Romans or visa-versa, depending on the dates given to each. Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Spirit that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. John makes the same point that if we say we are without sin we deceive ourselves. However, what both are pointing to is that all mankind is guilty of sin, we all have the original sin within us as descendants of Adam, but that we also have this personal sin within. We all are in need of a Savior to take away our sins. Jesus had paid the penalty for all our sins. The position which arises among some Christians is that once we have had our sin forgiven, that original and personal sin, having been born again and given a new nature, we then have no more sin. However, how is that possible? How can we never ever sin, even after having been given a new nature? Are these words of John referring only to the sin which is before salvation, or to the sin which is always present in our lives? Both the original sin and our past sin need a Savior, but our present and future sin also need a Savior. When John says that if we claim we have not sinned, he has to be referring our past sin which we were in need of repentance of and seeking forgiveness from God for. Yet, that also applies to our present and future sin as well. Just because we were forgiven for all our sin, does not mean we are free to go on sinning as we please. Yet, we cannot deny the fact we still commit sin, but perhaps that difference is that before salvation, we sinned willingly and wantonly, but after salvation, it is not our desire to sin, we hate sin, but being in the flesh, not being perfect, we cannot help but fail at perfection and commit sin. Sure. it may not be as nasty or evil with intent, but sin is still sin, and all sin is against God and therefore in need of a Savior. We would be in a terrible position if we did not accept Jesus as our Savior. That is the truth which resides within us, we know sin and we know Jesus. Without Jesus, we would die in our sin, but we have Jesus and therefor all our sin has been forgiven. He has forgiven us and purified us from all unrighteousness. We should be careful about what we claim.