Sin Like a Red Light
By Emma Danzey
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 1:8-10
Have you ever been at a red light and been tempted to blaze through it? Were you running late or getting impatient because the person ahead of you was texting on a cell phone? Have you pushed the envelope just enough because you saw someone else going through it and thought that you would be ok because they were going too? Sin is like a red light. It tempts us, lure us in, and tells us to push the limits and come on through; however, it leads us to damage and destruction in our lives and in the lives of others. 1 John 1:8-10 warns us that we all sin and reminds us of the hope that we can all have through Jesus to forgive us of the many “red lights” that we have crossed in our thoughts and in our lives.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
If someone says that he is a good person and has never sinned, that person is deceived. The truth reveals to us that we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Maybe you’ve been at a “traffic light of temptation” for the sin of sex outside of marriage. Perhaps you have never actually physically crossed over the boundary line. However, Jesus tells us that even looking at someone else with lust is committing the sin of adultery in our hearts. So even pondering a sin counts as breaking God’s law.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Now imagine you realized that either intentionally or by accident, you have run a red light. Not only that, but you have also hit another vehicle and caused a massive wreck. You see a police officer’s lights come on and know that you are toast. When you come to a stop, something amazing happens. He says, “You have broken the law,” and now owe money and jail time for the damage done. However, I have a perfect track record, I have upheld the law perfectly, and have decided that I am going to completely cover your ticket and serve your time for you in your place so you can go free. All you have to do is accept this gift.”
This is what Jesus has done for us (Of course, in a much grander, incomparable way). We are all guilty of sin, but while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We did nothing to deserve this, it is grace and a gift from Him. The beautiful part is that if we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and believe in Him, He forgives us and purifies us from all of our sins. Our completely hideous track record is immediately erased and forgiven because of His sacrifice on the cross for our sins.
“If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Those who claim to not have sin in their lives make Jesus out to be a liar since He makes it very clear that all of humanity is in need of a Savior. His Word tells us the truth of sin, this world, and the gospel of Christ. If we neglect to acknowledge that we are sinners, we deny His Word, and we miss out on the truth of how we need a Savior and Jesus is the only way to be saved. This verse reminds us of the beauty in admitting our failures and need for Christ.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Are you racing through or unknowingly crossing the line over a spiritual red light? How can the truth set you free? Have you personally confessed that you are a sinner in need of a Savior? If so, how has He changed your life? How is the Lord growing you in your faith and hope found in Him and His Word today? Who is someone who has not accepted God’s grace through Jesus that you can pray for today?
Further Reading:
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