“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” Have you ever heard this scripture used as a cop-out for living sinfully? I have. Many times. This is not about living sinfully, but rather, this is about being faithful to confess our sins so that we are prepared to receive forgiveness and healing.
We absolutely must be diligent in approaching the Lord with our sinful states. He knows our hearts. It’s not like we can fool Him. The Lord is merciful, and it is his purpose to cleanse us from all unrighteousness so that God is glorified. It is “God’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Do not be overly ashamed and afraid. We have all sinned and we all need the gracious healing only Jesus, The Physician can provide.
1 John 1 (King James Version)
The Word of Life
1. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Walking in the Light
5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
I suggest that anytime you hear scripture used to declare that you will “always be a sinner,” mark that passage and read it in context. There are many such scriptures that are abused and used to keep people in bonds to sin instead of preaching the gospel of Resurrection (the gospel of the kingdom). To be cleansed is not forgiveness and imputed righteousness only. It is freedom. It is a change of nature so we do not continue as slaves to sin and darkness.
We might struggle with a certain sin, confess, and earnestly seek the Lord for many years.
We might wonder why Jesus has not yet answered us. The Lord “is not slack in keeping his promises.” He will free you in his perfect time and perfect way. Keep pushing forward in faith, and remember, your salvation is the work of Jesus in you. This is not a burden to place on yourself. He will give you the power to overcome when he deems you are ready.
We should be wearing empty tombs around our necks, Christians. We are made free!
Why do we so seldom hear the gospel fully preached?
Consider the entirety of this chapter for yourself. If you have any questions, please comment below.
KindlingTruth 
AMEN!!!!
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