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NASB | 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] |
Subject: Is sinless perfection possible on earth? |
Bible Note: There is no man living who is literally dead to sin. All men sin. Indeed until they are able to achieve 'the glory of God' (compare 2 Cor 3.18 which demonstrates that Paul had not), and are able to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength unceasingly, they will continue continually to be sinners. That will never be achieved by anyone in this life. It is an impossible aim. Only Jesus was able to fulfil it. There is no man who does good, and sins not.(Ecclesiastes 7.20). That is why John said, 'if we say that we have no sin (the sin within) we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1.8). That is why Jesus made asking for forgiveness a central plank in the Lord's prayer. That is why Paul in Romans 7 made it quite clear that as a Christian he continually fell short of Christlikeness, not 'now and then', but all the time. He continually strove towards the goal. And all the clever arguments in the world will not change that. And when in Romans 6 Paul spoke of having 'died with Christ' He was making clear that having 'died with Christ' did not mean that in our essential natures we have died. It was a positional description resulting from our being united with Christ which we are then to 'reckon on' (6.11). May i also make an appeal. This is a forum for communal discussion. It is not a place for people to engage in conversations. That should be done by email. Best wishes. |