Time To Move On

I John 1:8-2:2 If we say that we have no sin, 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. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

I often run into people who have been made to feel like being a Christian means that we are supposed to be perfect and live a perfect life. They carry this overwhelming burden of guilt because some well-meaning, or self-righteous, Christian made them feel like they were a total failure because they were struggling with some sin in their life. I have often brought them to these wonderful verses that John wrote reminding us all that just because we are born again saints, it doesn't mean we still won't struggle with sin. We will still battle with our flesh, the devils, and this world system we live in. So today I would like to remind us all of a few things. First, if we have called upon, and accepted, Jesus as our Savior, we are forgiven of all sins; past, present, and future. Jesus paid the price for us completely. Romans 8:1 tells us that for those of us who are in Christ, there is no condemnation... None! Secondly, the Apostle wrote these words to the church, not the unsaved. In other words, if we say we have no sin we are not only deceived, but we also call God a liar. God forbid! Lastly, John wants us to remember and be comforted by the fact that when we sin, in Christ we have someone who goes before the Father on our behalf; who then grants us forgiveness and cleanses us from ALL unrighteousness. Why? Because it's not about our righteousness, but about Jesus' righteousness that had been imputed on us. God accepted us because of Jesus sacrifice, not because of anything we have done. The bottom line is that we are called to live a life that is separated unto God, in Christ. We are to live a life of obedience to God's Word, and by faith. However, there will be days when we stumble. When we do, let us turn to the One who already redeemed us, but continues to forgive us, deliver us, and save us. Our salvation is sure and irrevocable, and God's forgiveness is eternal. Let us not allow the devils, or those they are using, to convince us to take up the burdens that were already nailed to the cross at Calvary. We must simply turn to Jesus in repentance and confession and believe that we are forgiven. It's time to move on and move forward.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).