1 JOHN 3:4-6

“Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.”

1 John 3:4-6

Since the beginning of sin in this world, men have been looking to justify its presence. We have such a difficult time letting go of the perceived freedom that sin can bring to us, that we are often willing to live under its control rather than risk the experience of missing out. For the early church, this was no different. Many tried to justify their sinful lifestyles and the immediate pleasure it brings by claiming that they were just enlightened to a true understanding that a less mature believer couldn’t possibly know. But John makes it clear here. Understanding of Christ is a rejection of sin. There is no secret knowledge that comes with maturity. There is only a deepening faith and application in what’s already been revealed through Jesus. Sinning intentionally and without guilt, is not a sign of maturity in the Christian faith. It is a statement that one does not actually know Jesus. To become a disciple of Christ is to be disciplined in his ways and thoughts. This requires a radical transformation in our lives. We cannot claim to be mature believers when we fight to continue to live in the very way that Christ died to free us from.