Is The Truth In You ? ( 1 John 1:8-10 )

If we say that 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 that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:8-10

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Christians one thing we must be able to do is to discern. To discern is to identify or to separate between. For example we should be able as believers be able to discern between the Lord's voice and the devil's voice. So what does this have to do with these verses? Well in verse 8 it talks about being deceived. If someone who "claims" to be a Christians and says they have no sin they are deceiving them self. Why I'm sure some might ask? I mean some people think that once you get saved that all the sudden you stop sinning and life is perfect. No sorry life isn't perfect, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to live a life according to the Word. Remember some of the greatest heroes of the bible made errors. Were human and no that is not an excuse that is just fact. Course when anyone tries to use that to say they can sin I say no. I say we may be under grace( Romans 6:14 ),but that in no way gives us a license to sin( Romans 6:1-2 ). The first thing I've realized is as apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Rome all have fallen short of the glory of God( Romans 3:23 ). So God realizes we are going to make mistakes, but remember where He looks( 1 Samuel 16:7 ).

Then look at the next verse, it says if we confess our sins he is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Awesome isn't it?! This was accomplished when our Lord and Savior was crucified on calvary on that old rugged cross. He paid our fine with His life, not cause we deserved it, but out of love. Like I've told others including a youth group I help with in Forsyth, Georgia I know love cause He loved me first.

For anyone reading this tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior I invite you to do so. Ask Him into your heart and admit your a sinner in need of His forgiveness. Be real with Him and cast all your worries, doubts, and fears at His feet, the feet of mercy for He cares for you( 1 Peter 5:7 ). Repent of your old ways and find your identity in Jesus Christ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). Don't let your past or not being perfect get in the way( Psalm 103:12, Romans 3:23 ). Instead cast yourself upon His mercy( Luke 18:13 ). Remember He is waiting on you with arms wide open( John 3:16 ). In those arms you will find love( John 15:13 ), mercy( Romans 5:6-8 ), forgiveness( 1 John 1:9 ), and a grace that is sufficient( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Will you choose Him? Will you let Him set you free from the bonds of sin( John 8:36 ) ? I encourage you to do so. This is the single greatest choice you will ever make. It is a matter of life and death, life and death eternal( John 3:18 ).Don't wait, make the choice tonight( Matthew 24:36 )!


God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><