Sin: The Bad News And The Really Good News

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• Edward Fudge
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Apr 8, 2016 1457

There are two easy but wrong ways of dealing with sin that we must always avoid. The first is to pretend that sin is okay. “God is light and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). If we say we walk with him while choosing sin as our way of life, we lie (1:6). The second wrong way is to deny that we ever sin, which is false and self-deceptive (1:8).

Our hope and our victory is in God’s promise: “If we walk in the light . . . we have fellowship with one another [us and God], and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1:7). Our “walk” is our usual way of life, our chosen path. Even when we choose to walk with God, we occasionally sin–and when we do, Jesus’ sacrifice atones for our sin. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Jesus’ atonement is ever-present, and as our high priest in heaven, he ensures that it never fails in its purpose. “If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1:9). This is the truth of the matter, and it is all about Jesus Christ who is eternal life, and through fellowship with him we have fellowship with God the Father (1:1-4). This, not sin, is the path to fullness of joy (1:4).