1 John 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.
Does this not mean everyone will always sin?
If you believe that, you're ignoring the first phrase...Just read the passage slowly: "If we say...". It's all in the confession! Don't that just drive you batty? Having no sin is not something a believer can confess.
Look at it on a practical level. Yesterday, I lived a Romans 7 life: Good that I would, left undone. Things I hate...done. But yesterday, I got a Romans 8 revelation, that the Spirit that dwells in me could also give life to my mortal body. I begin to live the life of freedom in His Spirit. By the Spirit, according to the scriptures, I put to death the deeds of the Flesh, I walk in the Spirit, as I'm commanded to do, and I no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh! Freedom that only Jesus can promise, and freedom that only Jesus can bring. Free indeed. Yes?
But now I live a life in conversation with you. What am I going to do, brag? I'm sin free...you're not? No way! That would take me back to Romans 7. I don't want to go back. I will never say "I have no sin." Two reasons: One, I have plenty of sin that's been forgiven. My memory is not so dull that I've been expunged of all recall. Second, I may think I have no sin, and you see otherwise, because I'm not yet convicted of something that stems from an old habit. What a lie it would be to make a preposterous claim. But I walk toward that which He promised, and repent and confess immediately, upon any revelation of sin. Immediately.
Now look at the last part of the verse you so completely cited: What does it mean to be "cleansed of all unrighteousness?" What exactly does "all" mean? Who, then, will convict me of sin?
It's not madness. It's just about what I say. Paul didn't say, "I'm without sin." He did say, as we, too, should be able to say, "Who can convict me of sin?" He went on to say, "As for myself I know of no wrong I have done, but that doesn't justify me. The Lord is my judge." It's not Paul's profession that justifies him, nor is it his own conscience. But his righteousness is apparent for all to see. That's the way it will be. As for me, Phy, I will confess that I see no sin in you, and I will always speak of your equity in your posts. It's not for me to decide if I, too, am likewise blameless. I'll leave that for my brothers...and also to my Lord. I'll set blessing you as my goal, and let the Lord judge between us, if there be any between at all.
I hope this makes sense. It's really the heart of the debate.
