Alright, let’s look at 1 John 1:8: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” At first glance one might think that few Christians make such a claim. On the contrary, hordes of Christians, millions of believers make that claim, and they are deceiving themselves in doing so. This is HOW they make that claim, and this is WHAT John meant when he wrote those words: They claim that the shed blood of Christ covers all their sins: past, present and future. Therefore, they believe they have no sin. John says they deceive themselves with that argument or belief. God DOES see a believer’s sins if and when a believer lets down his, or her, guard and transgresses. It is ONLY a believer’s PAST sins that are blotted out and removed from him as far as the east is from the west. Look at that verse in context. Beginning with verse 6, we read: “If we (believers) say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness (that is, SIN), we lie (break the 9th commandment), and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light (thus avoid sin), we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from ALL sin. If we say that we have no sin (while walking in darkness, lying, SINNING), 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” (verse 7 through 9).
In the beginning verse of chapter 2, John wrote, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that you SIN NOT!” Do you see it? All John is saying is if, as believers, we sin and think God does not see that sin, that our sins are no longer counted against us, we deceive ourselves! When the glorified Jesus Christ looked upon the believers at Ephesus, He saw their sin, telling them, “Thou art fallen…REPENT!” (See Revelation 2:5). To the church at Pergamos, Jesus commanded, “Repent!” (See Revelation 2:16). He gives that same command to Thyatira (verses 21 and 22), to Sardis (See Revelation 3:3), and Laodicea (verse 19).
The absurd interpretation many give to 1 John 1:8 would mean believers should be able to say, “Thank God, we’re not deceived. We’re all still sinning. Are you still sinning, brother? Hallelujah, then you’re not deceived. Keep on sinning!” Don’t you see how utterly absurd is the popular interpretation of 1 John 1:8? The popular interpretation of that verse would make every child of God a slave of sin, God Himself warning us not to think we can stop sinning!!! How utterly ridiculous and how crafty is Satan in his deceptions. John says He writes this letter “that you SIN NOT!” (See I John 2:1). And goes on to say “Whosoever abides in Him SINS NOT” (See 1 John 3:6). This does not mean a believer cannot, or will not sin. It means a believer need not sin. The apostle Paul presents this magnificent hope in I Corinthians 10:13, when he dogmatically affirms: “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful, who will not suffer (allow) you to be tempted above that (which) you are able (to bear), but will with the temptation (at that exact moment in time, simultaneously) also make a way to escape (a GOD-MADE, hence a PERFECT way of escape) that you may be able to bear it (bear up under temptation without sinning).” God help you to understand.
Christ’s Aged Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley