We Have Sin, Which Has Been Purged

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1: 8)

When John wrote this verse, he was speaking to Jews who did not believe. A cult prevalent at the time, and still with us to this day, implies that human beings do not have a sin problem.

David counted that completely:

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51: 5)

Paul also writes:

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3: 23)

The issue, though, is more than the fact that we have sin, but more importantly that Jesus has taken away all our sins:

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses" (Colossians 2: 13)

He also condemned the sin in our flesh:

"1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." (Romans 8: 1-3)

Jesus paid for our sins, and through His death we also die to sin:

"10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6: 10-11)

So, do not spend time feeling ashamed of the sin in your flesh, and do not fall for the lie that there is no sin. Instead, rest in the truth that in our bodies, there is still sin:

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." (Romans 7: 18)

But we have this wonderful promise:

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10: 10)

and

"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10: 14)

Do not be deceived. There is still sin in your flesh, yet that sin has been purged, condemned, and because you are in Christ, you need never fear condemnation (Romans 8: 1)