Are You Deceiving Yourself

If we say 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 we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
(1 John 1:8-10)

How glorious would it be to never have to feel guilt, to never have to bow down and confess? I wish I could honestly say I never sin anymore. The plain truth is, I fail my God almost every day. I don’t rob anyone or commit murder, but I do hold grudges longer than I should. I cuss and use the Lord’s name in vain in moments of frustration. It’s the worst when I’m driving. Other drivers can make me really not like them for the least little infraction. Maybe someday, when I’m just a passenger in a driverless car, my temptation to sin will subside.
When I was first saved, I was led to believe that I never had to ask for forgiveness again once I uttered the ‘sinner’s prayer’. All my future sins were also forgiven with that first prayer. However, I don’t find that doctrine anywhere in scripture. This passage clearly says we should ask for forgiveness whenever we sin. There is no blanket prayer that will cover us for perpetuity.
Then, there are the folks who believe they no longer sin just because they’re saved. They are usually very legalistic. In order to be a member, you have to wear certain clothes. You should only use minimal makeup and jewelry. There is one and only one translations of the scriptures that will be read from. Anyone who doesn’t follow these rules or doesn’t believe the way you do is either a heretic or an apostate. No matter whether they think they no longer sin, is obviously mistaken. The Apostle John was writing this scripture to people who were already saved.
I know I slip and fall all the time, but I’m really good at lying to myself about how much it’s going to affect my right standing before God. I have to fight against compartmentalizing my sins. Those compartments are hidden deep in the recesses of my mind, so I don’t have to think about them. The worse the sin, the deeper I’ll try to bury it. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit will not let me forget my iniquities for very long. The last one I want to call a liar is our God, so I’m happy to unburden myself and ask for forgiveness.




Father, you are holy and righteous. You alone are worthy to judge the wicked because only you are without sin. Your name is Truth because no lie is found in you. Lord, please remove any pride in our haughty hearts that says your Spirit dwells in us therefore, we have no sin. It’s easy for us to compare our lives with the unbelievers around us and think we have no sin. However, that’s the lie we tell ourselves to avoid your judgment. Don’t let us call you a liar by claiming we are sinless. Deep down, we know we sin every day, but you are faithful to forgive us when we confess. Help us to keep the words of scripture close to our hearts so we will appreciate our salvation and comprehend the importance of confession. With all gratitude and love, we pray this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen!
Location: Kendall, NY 14476, USA

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