Claim Sin

1 John 1:8-10 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
 
YOU may not like the title of this lesson. None of us are eager to say, “I’m a sinner. I have purposely disobeyed God. My desires, not God’s will have directed me. I claim sin too often rules my heart.”
    You know, I’ve never described my sin condition in that until now. Oh, I have confessed my sins before the Lord, but have never allowed, “I claim sin.” to pass my lips. Does this mean the Holy Spirit of the risen Christ does not rule my soul?
    According to John, confession is a sign the Spirit does rule our hearts. As the Spirit renews our minds to know God, he has enlivened our faith to know sin and to know salvation. The Spirit’s power gifts our hearts to trust and love God’s Word. In such love, we desire to learn and obey the righteous God’s commands. We then know when we sin and how God redeems our sins, how he washes us clean. In joyful faith, we truly know if we confess (our) sins, (the Lord God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. In the Spirit’s knowledge, we have the blessed assurance our Holy God will righteously forgive our confessed sins.
    John has written briefly. He has taught us eternally. Listen to the truth. Claim sin. Understand that if you deny, “I am a sinner.” you are saying, “You are a liar, Lord.” This is blasphemy. You even reject Jesus’ purpose on the cross. Denying God’s law has been Satan’s deadly weapon to turn mankind from God since the Temptation in the Garden. You can claim salvation only when you first claim sin separates you from God. This is John’s inspired message. Are you receiving this? It is God’s Word for your salvation and righteous living.
    Here’s a faith action for you. Meditate on your life for a few minutes. Consider what motivates your mind, your voice and your deeds. Where are you world-driven? Self-inspired? When do you hear, “That’s not good. You need to stop.”
    Then consider where you are Spirit-inspired. Where do you hear, “Good for you. This is right in God’s sight. You are making the right decisions.”
    I pray you know God’s Word in your heart. I hope you tell others, so they, too, know what they must do to be saved.
 
Life Thought: Claim, “I have sinned.” Claim, “You are faithful and just to forgive me, Lord.”