Important Notice:
Always check out what you read and hear for yourself, using the Bible, asking our HEAVENLY FATHER for wisdom, guidance, and understanding. Never take anyone's word alone, including this website, without first doing your own homework. As Christians, we should be listening to GOD's WORD, not what someone else has to say if it can't be documented. As it's written in 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Please note, the yellow text within our studies is Scripture, whereas the white text is our commentary.
Can We Ever Stop Sinning?
Have you ever heard the statement, "We are all sinners saved by grace."? A better statement would be "We were sinners saved by grace." That is if one is truly a Christian (i.e. CHRIST follower). When JESUS was talking to the woman who was accused of adultery, did HE tell her "Now that you know it's wrong, try not to commit adultery as much."? Or did HE say "... go, and sin no more."? What about the man HE healed who had an infirmity 38 years? Did HE say "now that you are healed, it's okay to sin every now and then, just don't do it too much."? Or did HE say, "... Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."? Obviously HE told them to "sin no more..." When HIS disciples asked HIM in Matthew 19:25 "Who then can be saved?" JESUS said unto them, "... With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)." If one truly believes that, then they would believe it's possible to live without future sin and not be a slave to it, through the power of HIS SPIRIT (the HOLY SPIRIT) living within us. In John 8:34-36, when JESUS was talking to the jews, HE told them, "34 ... Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." Now if someone were to ask you, "what has JESUS saved and freed you from?" How would you respond? Hopefully you would say "JESUS has saved and freed me from sin and eternal death." After all, that's what HE came to do. HE died so that we could conquer sin, not live in it. HE came to "... seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10)." JESUS said in John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." As we can see, sin leads to death whereas in CHRIST we're given an abundant life. Therefore how shall we continue to live in sin if we truly have been Saved by JESUS from sin? That's just it, if we truly have HIM, we won't. We can't say "We're saved from sin by JESUS." if we continue to live in sin. It's just not possible. One cannot truly have JESUS in their heart, and live in willful sin, as some preachers would have you believe. "Then I guess no one will go to heaven then because it's just not possible to stop sinning in this life." When people make statements as that, and say it is impossible to stop sinning in this life, and that we won't be free until after we die, they make death their savior rather than JESUS. Consider this, if JESUS never sinned, and satan always sins, and you sin everyday, which one are you following?
Hebrews 10:26-31 tells us, "26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Without repentance, there is no forgiveness (Luke 13:3,5). Anyone who would say that it's impossible to live without sin, accuses JESUS of being a liar and has trodden HIM under their feet and counted HIS blood an unholy thing as a way to live in sin. In Matthew 5:48, HE said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Who has it wrong? JESUS? Or these so-called "preachers" who would have you believe one can go to heaven without the need to turn away from sin? It certainly isn't JESUS who's wrong. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." To ask "Is it really possible to stop sinning?" is equivalent to asking "Can a person stop putting other gods/things before YHVH?", "Can an idolater stop idolatry?", "Can a person who takes GOD's name in vain stop?", "Can a Sabbath breaker cease from work?", "Can a dishonoring child begin to honor his/her parents?", "Can a murderer stop murdering?", "Can an adulterer stop committing adultery?", "Can a thief stop stealing?", "Can a person stop lying and begin to tell the truth?", "Can a covetous person stop coveting?", "Can a homosexual stop homosexuality?", "Can a harlot stop harlotry?", "Can a prideful person humble themselves?", "Can a drunkard stop getting drunk?", "Can the tattoo fanatic stop getting tattoos?", etc. Of course they can. After all, what does Philippians 4:13 say? It says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." And Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Hebrews 10:26-31 tells us, "26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Without repentance, there is no forgiveness (Luke 13:3,5). Anyone who would say that it's impossible to live without sin, accuses JESUS of being a liar and has trodden HIM under their feet and counted HIS blood an unholy thing as a way to live in sin. In Matthew 5:48, HE said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Who has it wrong? JESUS? Or these so-called "preachers" who would have you believe one can go to heaven without the need to turn away from sin? It certainly isn't JESUS who's wrong. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." To ask "Is it really possible to stop sinning?" is equivalent to asking "Can a person stop putting other gods/things before YHVH?", "Can an idolater stop idolatry?", "Can a person who takes GOD's name in vain stop?", "Can a Sabbath breaker cease from work?", "Can a dishonoring child begin to honor his/her parents?", "Can a murderer stop murdering?", "Can an adulterer stop committing adultery?", "Can a thief stop stealing?", "Can a person stop lying and begin to tell the truth?", "Can a covetous person stop coveting?", "Can a homosexual stop homosexuality?", "Can a harlot stop harlotry?", "Can a prideful person humble themselves?", "Can a drunkard stop getting drunk?", "Can the tattoo fanatic stop getting tattoos?", etc. Of course they can. After all, what does Philippians 4:13 say? It says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." And Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
"But isn't that works-based Salvation?"
No because it's not anything that we've done on our own that brings about our Salvation but rather JESUS CHRIST alone when we open the door (Revelation 3:20) for HIM to come in to our life as our SAVIOR that does the saving. However, the evidence of someone who has truly done that is a changed lifestyle, as Ephesians 2:10 lets us know that we are created to do good works (the part many like to leave out in that chapter). After all, JESUS CHRIST is the only one who paid for our Salvation by living a sin-free life, we've already sinned in this life, and therefore can't fulfil such (Romans 3:23), which means only eternal death awaits for us unless we repent and trust in HIM, and again, the proof of someone who truly has done such and been Saved by HIM is the transformation of one's life. You will not find one example anywhere in Scripture, where somebody became Saved which didn't follow with a transformation of life. One who lives in habitual sin obviously has not truly come to CHRIST in repentance, as their love is still towards sin and not the SAVIOR. If believing in JESUS' existence is all that was necessary, then even demons and satan would be saved, which they aren't. If one truly believes in JESUS as John 3:16-17 says, then they would believe what HE taught, "go and sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee." JESUS even said in John 12:46, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." and in John 14:12, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." As we can see, one who truly believes in HIM and not just HIS existence, will not abide in darkness/sin/wickedness but will do the works that JESUS did.
"But what about the thief on the cross?" As for the thief on the cross, that's all he could do. He humbled and professed his belief upon CHRIST, and because CHRIST does the saving, he was Saved. Again, Salvation starts through believing in JESUS (that includes everything JESUS said and did, and not just HIS existence) as it's by his grace through our faith in HIM; that's where it begins. However, again, the evidence of someone who truly has come to HIM is the transformation of one's life and for the thief on the cross, there wasn't an opportunity for him to demonstrate his changed life as he would soon die after his confession but nonetheless he was Saved as you too can be today, no matter how many steps you may have taken from CHRIST.
Coming to Salvation is equivalent to walking through a door while carrying baggage. When one truly comes to repentance in CHRIST, they let go of their old sinful ways through the change of mind that occurs. In other words, it's like letting go of all the burdens you've been carrying, and being washed clean in the blood of CHRIST, whereby you become a new creation. There's literally nothing we've done to deserve it or earn it, but when it occurs, our heart no longer feels the same as it once did towards sin, as our love transitions from sin to the SAVIOR, who's life was shed because of our sins. Remember, the law is basically the reflection of GOD's character (see Romans 7:12 and compare to Isaiah 6:3, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 34:8, 1 Corinthians 10:4), and if violating it is sin (1 John 3:4), and sin separates us from HIM (Isaiah 59:2), then how can one possibly think they can enter HIS presence living in willful sin? Again, to do so is to trodden JESUS and HIS sacrifice under one's feet, and to consider HIS blood unholy. Grace is NOT a license to sin. Rather a license to conquer and overcome sin.
"But what about the thief on the cross?" As for the thief on the cross, that's all he could do. He humbled and professed his belief upon CHRIST, and because CHRIST does the saving, he was Saved. Again, Salvation starts through believing in JESUS (that includes everything JESUS said and did, and not just HIS existence) as it's by his grace through our faith in HIM; that's where it begins. However, again, the evidence of someone who truly has come to HIM is the transformation of one's life and for the thief on the cross, there wasn't an opportunity for him to demonstrate his changed life as he would soon die after his confession but nonetheless he was Saved as you too can be today, no matter how many steps you may have taken from CHRIST.
Coming to Salvation is equivalent to walking through a door while carrying baggage. When one truly comes to repentance in CHRIST, they let go of their old sinful ways through the change of mind that occurs. In other words, it's like letting go of all the burdens you've been carrying, and being washed clean in the blood of CHRIST, whereby you become a new creation. There's literally nothing we've done to deserve it or earn it, but when it occurs, our heart no longer feels the same as it once did towards sin, as our love transitions from sin to the SAVIOR, who's life was shed because of our sins. Remember, the law is basically the reflection of GOD's character (see Romans 7:12 and compare to Isaiah 6:3, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 34:8, 1 Corinthians 10:4), and if violating it is sin (1 John 3:4), and sin separates us from HIM (Isaiah 59:2), then how can one possibly think they can enter HIS presence living in willful sin? Again, to do so is to trodden JESUS and HIS sacrifice under one's feet, and to consider HIS blood unholy. Grace is NOT a license to sin. Rather a license to conquer and overcome sin.
"So what exactly is sin then?"
1 John 3:4-5 says, "4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin." As we can see, sin is transgression (i.e. disobedience) of GOD's law. "But I thought the law no longer mattered today?" On its own, it doesn't matter, if one doesn't have CHRIST. Though there are some things different within the new covenant concerning the ceasing of blood ordinances (e.g. animal sacrifice), it is still just as much of a sin to murder today, lie, steal, worship other things, etc., as it was 4,000 years ago. After all, if there was no law today, it wouldn't even be possible for a person to sin today, which means none of us would even be in need of a SAVIOR to save us from something (sin [transgression of the law]) that doesn't exist, but nonetheless, it still exists, and we all have sinned (Romans 3:23) at some point, and need a SAVIOR (JESUS CHRIST). And JESUS was our perfect example which is why if one truly abides in HIM, they will bear much [good] fruit (John 15:5). Romans 3:31 says, "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." And Romans 7:7 says, "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.", and Romans 7:12, "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." Again, it should be known though that keeping the law alone doesn't save one, as only through CHRIST are we Saved (Romans 6:23, John 3:16-18, John 3:36) as only HE can take our sins away (Matthew 9:6) and wash us clean (Revelation 1:5-6); however, upon doing so, obeying HIM and refusing to live in sin will follow. Continuing, let's go to Romans 6.
Romans 6:1-11
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
This is a rhetorical question. If we have truly died to sin, it will not be possible for us to live in it. In other words, it doesn't mean it's not possible for us to sin again but rather not possible for us to live in it, as we once did before coming to CHRIST. That's why there's a difference between non-Christians (the lost/darkness), and Christians (the found/light). The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is that a Christian is at war with sin; they may slip up every now and then whether it be losing control of their anger in a manner that's not CHRIST-like, or perhaps not showing CHRIST-like love unto someone, etc., whereas a non-Christian lives in sin; they have absolutely no care about following JESUS and what HE taught. They may believe HE exists and that HE died to take away sin but they don't truly have a relationship with HIM, which is why they live in darkness and like satan. JESUS said in John 8:12, "... I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." and in Matthew 5:14-15 "14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Again, there is a difference between non-Christians (people that don't follow CHRIST) and Christians (people who do follow CHRIST). If living in sin was okay, JESUS wouldn't make a division between the groups. Also, HE wouldn't have said in Matthew 7:21-23, "21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Some say, "Well that verse pertains to those who don't believe." If it did, those people would NOT call HIM "Lord", nor would they do things in HIS name. Notice HE says those who HE tells "depart..." are those who work iniquity. Iniquity (anomía in the Greek) means "lawlessness/unrighteousness".
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
And so it is, that is what baptism symbolizes: our new life in CHRIST, being dead to our old self.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
And in the resurrection is a new person because again, our old self has died.
6 knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Did you get that? It's obvious using spiritual discernment to distinguish false converts from true converts because even upon being shown Scripture, false converts will still choose to follow their own feelings and still continue to twist, cherry pick, and take verses out of context as a reason to justify living in sin, whereas a true convert will be changed.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
In other words, dead to their old-self (i.e. dead to their life before CHRIST).
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
If someone hasn't died to themselves yet, which is to say their old sinful lifestyle, there is no eternal life awaiting for them because they have not yet made JESUS CHRIST their LORD and SAVIOR. JESUS said in Luke 9:23, "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Again, that tells us we are to put the old man away and be willing to do whatever it takes to follow HIM. For this reason, JESUS said in Luke 9:62 "... No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Why? Because to do so would guide you in another direction. JESUS even said in Matthew 7:13-14, "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." According to Google, the majority of people believe in GOD, yet JESUS says few will enter in to Heaven. "Few" certainly is NOT the majority. Some may say "But who's to say that's accurate?" Simply look around your community and ask people. From experience, most people believe in GOD, and believe JESUS existed, including non-Christians, yet again, JESUS said "few" would enter in to Heaven. Many muslims, buddhists, hindus, and even many atheists believe JESUS walked this earth, regardless if they believe HE did miracles, arose from the grave, and told people to turn from sin, yet many will not be going to Heaven because they're not Christians (i.e. CHRIST followers). After all, there is perhaps not a more damnable heresy in Christendom today, than to say believers do not need to obey JESUS.
9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
And so it is, HE is our finish line to run towards. Continuing, let's turn to the full chapter of Hebrews 10.
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
This is a rhetorical question. If we have truly died to sin, it will not be possible for us to live in it. In other words, it doesn't mean it's not possible for us to sin again but rather not possible for us to live in it, as we once did before coming to CHRIST. That's why there's a difference between non-Christians (the lost/darkness), and Christians (the found/light). The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is that a Christian is at war with sin; they may slip up every now and then whether it be losing control of their anger in a manner that's not CHRIST-like, or perhaps not showing CHRIST-like love unto someone, etc., whereas a non-Christian lives in sin; they have absolutely no care about following JESUS and what HE taught. They may believe HE exists and that HE died to take away sin but they don't truly have a relationship with HIM, which is why they live in darkness and like satan. JESUS said in John 8:12, "... I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." and in Matthew 5:14-15 "14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Again, there is a difference between non-Christians (people that don't follow CHRIST) and Christians (people who do follow CHRIST). If living in sin was okay, JESUS wouldn't make a division between the groups. Also, HE wouldn't have said in Matthew 7:21-23, "21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Some say, "Well that verse pertains to those who don't believe." If it did, those people would NOT call HIM "Lord", nor would they do things in HIS name. Notice HE says those who HE tells "depart..." are those who work iniquity. Iniquity (anomía in the Greek) means "lawlessness/unrighteousness".
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
And so it is, that is what baptism symbolizes: our new life in CHRIST, being dead to our old self.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
And in the resurrection is a new person because again, our old self has died.
6 knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Did you get that? It's obvious using spiritual discernment to distinguish false converts from true converts because even upon being shown Scripture, false converts will still choose to follow their own feelings and still continue to twist, cherry pick, and take verses out of context as a reason to justify living in sin, whereas a true convert will be changed.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
In other words, dead to their old-self (i.e. dead to their life before CHRIST).
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
If someone hasn't died to themselves yet, which is to say their old sinful lifestyle, there is no eternal life awaiting for them because they have not yet made JESUS CHRIST their LORD and SAVIOR. JESUS said in Luke 9:23, "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Again, that tells us we are to put the old man away and be willing to do whatever it takes to follow HIM. For this reason, JESUS said in Luke 9:62 "... No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Why? Because to do so would guide you in another direction. JESUS even said in Matthew 7:13-14, "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." According to Google, the majority of people believe in GOD, yet JESUS says few will enter in to Heaven. "Few" certainly is NOT the majority. Some may say "But who's to say that's accurate?" Simply look around your community and ask people. From experience, most people believe in GOD, and believe JESUS existed, including non-Christians, yet again, JESUS said "few" would enter in to Heaven. Many muslims, buddhists, hindus, and even many atheists believe JESUS walked this earth, regardless if they believe HE did miracles, arose from the grave, and told people to turn from sin, yet many will not be going to Heaven because they're not Christians (i.e. CHRIST followers). After all, there is perhaps not a more damnable heresy in Christendom today, than to say believers do not need to obey JESUS.
9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
And so it is, HE is our finish line to run towards. Continuing, let's turn to the full chapter of Hebrews 10.
Hebrews 10
1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
Under the old covenant, which is the timeframe before CHRIST's crucifixion and resurrection, animal sacrifice had to be made continually by the Levitical priests in order to cover the sins of those in the time of the Old Testament. During that time, they had the law but had not yet had CHRIST because HE had not came in the flesh yet. The law isn't bad, but the law on its on leaves us stranded and hopeless because we all have broken it at some point in our lives, as Romans 3:23 documents; which therefore means we can not be saved alone by it, as we must have CHRIST, who was the only ONE to ever keep it without breaking it, which is why HE was the ultimate and perfect Sacrifice, for one and all times. The new covenant, which took effect upon HIS crucifixion and resurrection, is basically an overlay of the old covenant, as GOD does not change (Malachi 3:6). The only difference is that blood ordinances were fulfilled by CHRIST (as we will see more of in this chapter), which means we aren't to sacrifice animals today or go unto some "priest" to obtain forgiveness, but rather we go straight unto JESUS and ask HIM to forgive us.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
Because these animal sacrifices had to be made continually every year, it was a constant reminder of those people's sins.
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
The blood of animals only covered sin, which is why it had to be done over and over, whereas JESUS' sacrifice covers and completely washes away our sins when we come to HIM in repentance.
5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6 in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Why? Because there was no fulfillment in that.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
And that is exactly what JESUS did. This was first mentioned back in Psalm 40:6-8.
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
GOD did not take away the law, but rather the blood sacrifices and things that were required under those ordinances. Again, the new covenant is basically an overlay of the old covenant (excluding blood ordinances), as JESUS came not to change one jot or tittle of the law, until heaven and earth pass away, and all is fulfilled (see Matthew 5:17-19). And at that time, when all is fulfilled, there will be no more sin - death, sorrow, nor tears (Revelation 21:4) as we'll be in the new heaven age (the eternity).
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
There is no work for us today of having to sacrifice animals over and over again to live apart from GOD's wrath, we simply approach HIM in prayer and repentance with a sorrowful heart, asking JESUS to forgive us of all our sins, and HE will do just that, as only HE truly knows the heart (1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:9) and HE cannot be conned (Psalm 139:2).
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
And so it is, CHRIST is our ultimate sacrifice for one and all times, and only by HIM can we be forgiven and set free from the chains of sin and death.
13 from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
This was first mentioned in Psalm 110.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Did this verse say, "For by one offering he (CHRIST) hath perfected for ever them that are wicked/unholy."? Of course not, because those people haven't truly come to CHRIST. JESUS said in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Now what were they? Matthew 22:37-40 answers. It's all of them, as those two HE gave hang all of the law.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
See John 14:16-17, John 14:26.
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
This is what was written in Jeremiah 31:31-34.
17 and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
In other words, they will not face the wrath of GOD.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
When JESUS' sacrifice took place, it tore the temple veil in two (Matthew 27:51), whereby we no longer go unto a priest to obtain covering of our sins through continual animal sacrifice, but can directly approach GOD through prayer in JESUS' name (John 14:13-14), and be forgiven.
20 by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 and having an high priest over the house of God;
Hebrews 4:14-16 says, "14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Remember what our spiritual water is today? It is GOD/CHRIST (Jeremiah 2:13, John 4:14), just as HE is our rest (Exodus 33:14, Matthew 11:28).
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
As Christians, it should be our absolute desire to love others and to do good works, whereby they can see the goodness and light of CHRIST. A Christian can never change the world by living like the world.
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
As Christians, it should be our desire to encourage, edify, and build one another to be more like CHRIST.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Again, this certainly doesn't sound like what most preach today, which shouldn't be any surprise to you, as JESUS warned us in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, that there would be many false ones. Nonetheless this is the truth of what is written. One cannot and will not go to Heaven if they refuse repentance and die in their sins. After all, CHRIST is our bride and those who will enter in to HIS Kingdom will be spiritually married to HIM. To think un-repentant and wicked people will take part in that spiritual wedding ceremony, is equivalent to thinking JESUS will spiritually marry satan. It just isn't so, and beyond ridiculous for anyone to consider. Just as satan will not take part, neither will any who follow satan take part.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Our substance on this earth is only temporary but when we die and go to Heaven, our substance will be everlasting.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Remember, faith without works is dead (James 2:26). And 2 Peter 2:20 tells us, "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." Choose wisely. Slave of sin (death)? Or servant of righteousness (CHRIST and eternal life)?
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
And so it is. Those who choose satan will perish with him, whereas those who choose JESUS will live everlasting with HIM; with no more pain, sorrow, death, sadness, sin, etc. (Revelation 21). Joshua 24:15 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Under the old covenant, which is the timeframe before CHRIST's crucifixion and resurrection, animal sacrifice had to be made continually by the Levitical priests in order to cover the sins of those in the time of the Old Testament. During that time, they had the law but had not yet had CHRIST because HE had not came in the flesh yet. The law isn't bad, but the law on its on leaves us stranded and hopeless because we all have broken it at some point in our lives, as Romans 3:23 documents; which therefore means we can not be saved alone by it, as we must have CHRIST, who was the only ONE to ever keep it without breaking it, which is why HE was the ultimate and perfect Sacrifice, for one and all times. The new covenant, which took effect upon HIS crucifixion and resurrection, is basically an overlay of the old covenant, as GOD does not change (Malachi 3:6). The only difference is that blood ordinances were fulfilled by CHRIST (as we will see more of in this chapter), which means we aren't to sacrifice animals today or go unto some "priest" to obtain forgiveness, but rather we go straight unto JESUS and ask HIM to forgive us.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
Because these animal sacrifices had to be made continually every year, it was a constant reminder of those people's sins.
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
The blood of animals only covered sin, which is why it had to be done over and over, whereas JESUS' sacrifice covers and completely washes away our sins when we come to HIM in repentance.
5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6 in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Why? Because there was no fulfillment in that.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
And that is exactly what JESUS did. This was first mentioned back in Psalm 40:6-8.
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
GOD did not take away the law, but rather the blood sacrifices and things that were required under those ordinances. Again, the new covenant is basically an overlay of the old covenant (excluding blood ordinances), as JESUS came not to change one jot or tittle of the law, until heaven and earth pass away, and all is fulfilled (see Matthew 5:17-19). And at that time, when all is fulfilled, there will be no more sin - death, sorrow, nor tears (Revelation 21:4) as we'll be in the new heaven age (the eternity).
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
There is no work for us today of having to sacrifice animals over and over again to live apart from GOD's wrath, we simply approach HIM in prayer and repentance with a sorrowful heart, asking JESUS to forgive us of all our sins, and HE will do just that, as only HE truly knows the heart (1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:9) and HE cannot be conned (Psalm 139:2).
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
And so it is, CHRIST is our ultimate sacrifice for one and all times, and only by HIM can we be forgiven and set free from the chains of sin and death.
13 from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
This was first mentioned in Psalm 110.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Did this verse say, "For by one offering he (CHRIST) hath perfected for ever them that are wicked/unholy."? Of course not, because those people haven't truly come to CHRIST. JESUS said in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Now what were they? Matthew 22:37-40 answers. It's all of them, as those two HE gave hang all of the law.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
See John 14:16-17, John 14:26.
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
This is what was written in Jeremiah 31:31-34.
17 and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
In other words, they will not face the wrath of GOD.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
When JESUS' sacrifice took place, it tore the temple veil in two (Matthew 27:51), whereby we no longer go unto a priest to obtain covering of our sins through continual animal sacrifice, but can directly approach GOD through prayer in JESUS' name (John 14:13-14), and be forgiven.
20 by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 and having an high priest over the house of God;
Hebrews 4:14-16 says, "14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Remember what our spiritual water is today? It is GOD/CHRIST (Jeremiah 2:13, John 4:14), just as HE is our rest (Exodus 33:14, Matthew 11:28).
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
As Christians, it should be our absolute desire to love others and to do good works, whereby they can see the goodness and light of CHRIST. A Christian can never change the world by living like the world.
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
As Christians, it should be our desire to encourage, edify, and build one another to be more like CHRIST.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Again, this certainly doesn't sound like what most preach today, which shouldn't be any surprise to you, as JESUS warned us in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, that there would be many false ones. Nonetheless this is the truth of what is written. One cannot and will not go to Heaven if they refuse repentance and die in their sins. After all, CHRIST is our bride and those who will enter in to HIS Kingdom will be spiritually married to HIM. To think un-repentant and wicked people will take part in that spiritual wedding ceremony, is equivalent to thinking JESUS will spiritually marry satan. It just isn't so, and beyond ridiculous for anyone to consider. Just as satan will not take part, neither will any who follow satan take part.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Our substance on this earth is only temporary but when we die and go to Heaven, our substance will be everlasting.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Remember, faith without works is dead (James 2:26). And 2 Peter 2:20 tells us, "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." Choose wisely. Slave of sin (death)? Or servant of righteousness (CHRIST and eternal life)?
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
And so it is. Those who choose satan will perish with him, whereas those who choose JESUS will live everlasting with HIM; with no more pain, sorrow, death, sadness, sin, etc. (Revelation 21). Joshua 24:15 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
JESUS grants freedom, strength, peace, power and eternal life, whereas satan grants selfishness, weakness, sin, stress, and eternal death. Remember, JESUS said in John 15:5, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." So obviously on our own, we cannot live without sin, but if we abide in CHRIST we can.
"But didn't Paul say he struggled with sin in Romans 7?"
The context of Romans 7 refers to those who are not under grace, who believed that without CHRIST, they could be saved by their obedience to the law, as that is what many of Paul's Jewish audience believed. Paul goes into detail that when he was under the law (before coming to CHRIST), that obeying it was good but he realized that no matter how well he tried to keep it, death already awaited for him because he had already broken the law at some point and was a sinner. At the end of the chapter, he states "who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord..." Perhaps the reason it appears in the present tense is to show a dramatic effect and make an emphatic impact, which is no different than us today as Christians, when we talk about our testimonies of coming to CHRIST and why we need HIM, especially when talking to the lost, as we often put ourselves on their level (i.e. in their shoes) whereby they can see the importance of why we need, and why they need, HIM as their SAVIOR; NOT that we're better in importance than they are, but whereby they see the seriousness of dying without CHRIST. Again, when one is under the law but doesn't have CHRIST, there is no eternal life awaiting for them as they've already sinned and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but when one has CHRIST, they are then under grace and only through the grace of GOD through JESUS CHRIST can we be forgiven and escape the damnation (eternal death) that awaits for us, and one who truly is under grace won't serve the flesh and live in habitual sin. So within Romans 7, Paul isn't justifying living in sin, as he's already stated numerous times that the wages of sin is death, and to follow him as he followed CHRIST, and he would have known that Hebrews tells us those who continue in sin after supposedly coming to CHRIST, have considered HIS sacrifice and blood an unholy thing and have trampled HIM under their feet, and there remains no more sacrifice for their sin (that is if they don't repent).
Within Romans 7, Paul is basically saying that on his own, he can never overcome sin which is why HE needs the SPIRIT of GOD (the HOLY SPIRIT) in HIM, as addressed in Romans 8, and why we need it.
Though it can be a confusing chapter to understand, Paul isn't contradicting himself and if one continued in to Romans 8, they'll see where Paul says in the first verse, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Did he say there is no condemnation to those who walk after the flesh? No. He said there is no condemnation to those who walk after the Spirit. Obviously Paul was a changed man. After all, how could Paul be the chief of sinners (in the present tense) when he constantly told others to follow his example (1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:14-20, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, etc.)? He stated over and over again that he dwelt in CHRIST and that he was of CHRIST, and that he had a clear conscious (2 Timothy 1:3), and clearly that wouldn't be true if he was a habitual sinner, living according to the flesh, in darkness, as one who truly believes doesn't abide in darkness (John 12:46, John 14:12, 1 John 1:6-7).
We already covered part of Romans 6 earlier, so to anyone who has any doubt concerning the intention of Romans 7, just look back and continue through the rest of chapter 6, through Romans 8, as they would see Paul in Romans 8:12-13 says, "12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (= thanatóō in the Greek, "to kill") the deeds (= prâxis in the Greek, "practice, i.e. (concretely) an act") of the body, ye shall live."
Basically Romans 7 sums up that if you want life under the law, then expect frustration, sins dominance, and expect sin to overpower you because that's what happens under the law, apart from receiving the grace of CHRIST, and ultimately one will perish as that's what awaits for those who have not come under grace yet, who have rejected CHRIST because again, the wages of sin is death, and because we all have sinned (Romans 3:23), we're under the wrath of GOD unless we receive CHRIST through repentance, as only HE can wipe away our sins, reconcile us to the FATHER, wash us clean, and renew our hearts to seek after that which is good (the ways of GOD) rather than the ways of the flesh (sin/death). Romans 5:20-21 says, "20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." In other words, this is saying that the law was given so that sin could be recognized, and so where sin existed and was recognized, so could the grace of GOD also be seen. The law allows us to see our sin, whereby it can drive us to repentance in JESUS CHRIST, which brings out our love for GOD, as it allows us to see the horrific price that JESUS paid and went through on the cross, to rescue us from our damnation, which resulted from our sin, whereby we won't have the desire to continue in our sin. After all, those who water down the meaning of sin and justify it, water down the sacrifice which was paid for it, and again, have trodden JESUS under their feet and considered HIS blood an unholy thing (Hebrews 10:29) and must repent.
Within Romans 7, Paul is basically saying that on his own, he can never overcome sin which is why HE needs the SPIRIT of GOD (the HOLY SPIRIT) in HIM, as addressed in Romans 8, and why we need it.
Though it can be a confusing chapter to understand, Paul isn't contradicting himself and if one continued in to Romans 8, they'll see where Paul says in the first verse, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Did he say there is no condemnation to those who walk after the flesh? No. He said there is no condemnation to those who walk after the Spirit. Obviously Paul was a changed man. After all, how could Paul be the chief of sinners (in the present tense) when he constantly told others to follow his example (1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:14-20, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, etc.)? He stated over and over again that he dwelt in CHRIST and that he was of CHRIST, and that he had a clear conscious (2 Timothy 1:3), and clearly that wouldn't be true if he was a habitual sinner, living according to the flesh, in darkness, as one who truly believes doesn't abide in darkness (John 12:46, John 14:12, 1 John 1:6-7).
We already covered part of Romans 6 earlier, so to anyone who has any doubt concerning the intention of Romans 7, just look back and continue through the rest of chapter 6, through Romans 8, as they would see Paul in Romans 8:12-13 says, "12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (= thanatóō in the Greek, "to kill") the deeds (= prâxis in the Greek, "practice, i.e. (concretely) an act") of the body, ye shall live."
Basically Romans 7 sums up that if you want life under the law, then expect frustration, sins dominance, and expect sin to overpower you because that's what happens under the law, apart from receiving the grace of CHRIST, and ultimately one will perish as that's what awaits for those who have not come under grace yet, who have rejected CHRIST because again, the wages of sin is death, and because we all have sinned (Romans 3:23), we're under the wrath of GOD unless we receive CHRIST through repentance, as only HE can wipe away our sins, reconcile us to the FATHER, wash us clean, and renew our hearts to seek after that which is good (the ways of GOD) rather than the ways of the flesh (sin/death). Romans 5:20-21 says, "20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." In other words, this is saying that the law was given so that sin could be recognized, and so where sin existed and was recognized, so could the grace of GOD also be seen. The law allows us to see our sin, whereby it can drive us to repentance in JESUS CHRIST, which brings out our love for GOD, as it allows us to see the horrific price that JESUS paid and went through on the cross, to rescue us from our damnation, which resulted from our sin, whereby we won't have the desire to continue in our sin. After all, those who water down the meaning of sin and justify it, water down the sacrifice which was paid for it, and again, have trodden JESUS under their feet and considered HIS blood an unholy thing (Hebrews 10:29) and must repent.
"What about 1 John 1:8?"
1 John 1:8 says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." This verse isn't in reference to the present state of a believer, but rather the past state of a believer. However, it doesn't mean a believer can't sin or should deny that it's possible to sin, because as long as we're in the flesh, it is possible and very likely that at some point we will fall short, whether it be losing control of our anger in an unGodly manner, maybe using corrupt communication, or maybe giving GOD our leftover free time, or perhaps withholding forgiveness for a moment, from someone who has done us wrong, etc., but know that through the power of CHRIST living within us, we have the ability to not sin and the power to overcome it, and be washed clean.
Back to this first chapter of 1 John though, let's begin from verse 1 and go through the full chapter.
Back to this first chapter of 1 John though, let's begin from verse 1 and go through the full chapter.
1 John 1
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.
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:
As we can see, this verse clearly documents that if we have fellowship with CHRIST, but walk in darkness/sin, we lie and the truth is not in us.
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.
Did it say if we walk in darkness? Of course not, but if we walk in the light (the light of CHRIST)...
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
As we've already covered earlier, there is not one person aside from JESUS CHRIST, who has ever lived this life without sinning, and if we say we haven't sinned, then we lie, and the truth isn't in us. If this verse was describing the present situation of every Christian, and that every believer lives in sin daily, it would contradict verse 6 and 7, but it doesn't. However it could refer to our present situation, even after coming to CHRIST, which is why we should examine ourselves daily, and always ask the HOLY SPIRIT to convict us wherever it be needed and to forgive us if there be any sin we've committed, or offense towards GOD.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Again, Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." We serve the GREAT I AM (Exodus 3:14), not the great I was. HE is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore (Hebrews 13:8), who changes not (Malachi 3:6). HE is life and when we sin it separates us from HIM, and without repentance in CHRIST, there is no forgiveness of sins (Acts 3:19, Luke 13:3).
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Did this say "if we say that we do not sin, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us?" No. It said "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." Again, JESUS taught to "go and sin no more..." NOT "go and sin every now and then, whenever you feel like it, I'll just excuse it."
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.
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:
As we can see, this verse clearly documents that if we have fellowship with CHRIST, but walk in darkness/sin, we lie and the truth is not in us.
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.
Did it say if we walk in darkness? Of course not, but if we walk in the light (the light of CHRIST)...
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
As we've already covered earlier, there is not one person aside from JESUS CHRIST, who has ever lived this life without sinning, and if we say we haven't sinned, then we lie, and the truth isn't in us. If this verse was describing the present situation of every Christian, and that every believer lives in sin daily, it would contradict verse 6 and 7, but it doesn't. However it could refer to our present situation, even after coming to CHRIST, which is why we should examine ourselves daily, and always ask the HOLY SPIRIT to convict us wherever it be needed and to forgive us if there be any sin we've committed, or offense towards GOD.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Again, Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." We serve the GREAT I AM (Exodus 3:14), not the great I was. HE is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore (Hebrews 13:8), who changes not (Malachi 3:6). HE is life and when we sin it separates us from HIM, and without repentance in CHRIST, there is no forgiveness of sins (Acts 3:19, Luke 13:3).
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Did this say "if we say that we do not sin, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us?" No. It said "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." Again, JESUS taught to "go and sin no more..." NOT "go and sin every now and then, whenever you feel like it, I'll just excuse it."
Conclusion:
So as we have seen in this study, JESUS taught others to turn from sin, and Paul taught others to turn from sin, as well as Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Enoch, Moses, Joshua, Jonah, etc. (though we didn't cover them). There is not one prophet, apostle, nor disciple who ever taught we could inherit the Kingdom of GOD living in habitual/willful sin. Again, without repentance, there is no forgiveness (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 28:13). And the evidence of someone who truly has come to CHRIST, in repentance, is a new life, as the old man has died (Romans 6). JESUS died and rose again so that we could conquer sin, not live in it.
Things to consider:
- Those who believe that we will not be able to stop sinning in this flesh, and that we will not be free until the day we die, must admit that sin is the most powerful force in the universe, and that the Blood of JESUS CHRIST is just not strong enough to free us from the power of sins grip.
- Those who say "it is impossible to stop sinning in this life, and that we won't be free until after we die.", make death their savior rather than JESUS.
- If JESUS never sinned, and satan always sins, and you sin everyday, which one are you following?
- How could Paul be the chief of sinners (in the present tense) when he constantly told others to follow his example (1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:14-20, 1 Thessalonians 1:6)? Because if so, that would contradict everything he preached, which we know isn't the case.
- JESUS said in Matthew 9:13 "... for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
- JESUS died for our sins but rose for our justification (Romans 4:25).
- Would JESUS spiritually marry satan? Of course not, so why would anyone think they'll be HIS spiritual bride (Matthew 25, 2 Corinthians 11) if they live like satan?
- If Paul taught that the law was done away with, and he taught that believing alone was enough, and that turning from sin wasn't necessary for salvation, then why would Paul have a changed life? If it wasn't necessary for salvation, he had no reason to stop persecuting Christians, nor to preach against sin, nor have any reason to keep the Sabbath day, yet he did and taught us to follow CHRIST, and how did CHRIST live? HE lived in the LIGHT as HE is the LIGHT and told us to walk in the light, NOT darkness/sin/evil/satan.
- Those who truly believe in JESUS (as in John 3:16-17) will not abide in darkness (John 12:46, John 14:12, 1 John 1:6-7).
- Remember Lot's wife? It is an important reminder for us today not to look back at the sinful life that GOD has rescued us from.
- Ezekiel 3:18-21 "18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul."
- 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
- Proverbs 15:29 says, "The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous."
- Hell can't be made attractive so the devil will make attractive the road that leads there.
- JESUS said in Matthew 7:13-14, "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
- If believing in the existence of JESUS alone was enough, there would be no difference between those abiding in darkness from those who abide in the LIGHT.
- We're not saying "it is impossible for a true Christian to sin again", but rather a true Christian will not have the desire to live in sin. If they slip up, they repent, ask GOD for forgiveness, and keep marching towards the finish line (CHRIST).
- If anybody claims to be a follower of CHRIST and yet lives in sin and promotes sin, they simply are following a false christ (i.e. the devil/antichrist), and must repent or they will perish (Luke 13:3).
- Those who condone what GOD hates and hate what GOD loves are enemies of GOD, as Proverbs 17:15 and James 4:4 documents.
- This isn't written to put ourselves on a pedal stool, high horse, or ego trip, etc., but simply to share the freedom of what CHRIST gives to those who truly have been saved by HIM. Galatians 2:20 says, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
- Some would say "you're awfully prideful to believe you can live without sinning." But it is humility to believe and obey GOD's Word, and would be prideful to think we could continue to sin against HIM and expect HIM to be okay with that. It basically would be equivalent to thinking that GOD worships us rather than us worshiping HIM.
- When grace becomes an excuse to live in sin, you're no longer under grace but under deception.
- David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed after he became king. Then he repented and was thereafter known as a man after GOD’s own heart… You might have started out strong and then royally messed up by falling back into sin, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in that mess! Repentance makes all the difference. If it wasn’t for David repenting from his sins and turning back to GOD, who knows what could’ve become of him. But because he repented, he officially became one of the only men in the Bible known as a man after GOD’s own heart. Your sin doesn’t have to become who you are. Repent and become who you’re meant to be instead: a blood bought, born again, redeemed and forgiven child of the One True GOD! Your story doesn’t end until your life ends. If you’re still breathing, you still have time to repent and make an eternal difference! Even if it's just minutes or seconds remaining in your life.
- It doesn't matter how many steps you may have walked away from JESUS, it only takes just one to get back to HIM and HE'll welcome you with arms wide open.