1 John 5:18-21 “We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
The first time I read these verses, I was really confused! Yes, I had prayed to God, confessing that I was a sinner and that I needed salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. But now it appeared that the Apostle John was setting an impossible standard! I was honest enough to realize that the second I opened my mouth, I was likely to sin by saying something unkind. And driving in traffic was another problem. Then there were my relationships with fellow workers. All I could think of was “how am I supposed to keep from sinning? I mess up constantly!”
Pastor John Piper has described the discussion John gives here as a balancing act. Piper puts it this way: “1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins” — he doesn’t specify any particular kind — “he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” So that’s a very sweeping and glorious and wonderful and precious promise. If you can confess your sin authentically, agree with God that it is sin and that it stinks, hate it, turn from it, and fight against it, you will be forgiven.”
WHEW! What a relief! As children of God, we are to turn away from sin whenever possible; however, as imperfect human beings, we know that sooner or later, we will sin. God is promising to forgive us! How wonderful! But in addition, God also is promising to give us understanding so that we can know “Him who is true.” God is promising to help us so that we can know Him; in addition, God is promising us eternal life.
Why should we care about God forgiving us and helping us? Well, how many people addicted to alcohol, to tobacco, to drugs, to gambling, or to over-spending have found it nearly impossible to get free from their addictions? All of such things are idols. Anything that controls us has become an idol in our lives. Nothing is simple, and all of us need help from Someone stronger and better than we are. And here is the Everlasting God, our Heavenly Father who loves us offering to help us! That’s an unbeatable opportunity!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you so much for your promises! Thank you that if we confess our sins, you will forgive us. Thank you that you have promised to help us and to guide us and that you have promised eternal life to all who believe in you. In the mighty and precious Name of Jesus. Amen.
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