The Reality of Sin: How are Christians to deal with sin? Clearly, a disciple of Christ walks in the light (1:6-7), but he isn’t sinless in this life (1:8). Until we see Jesus face to face, we are neither glorified nor fully like Him (3:2). In this life, we have an ongoing battle with the flesh (Rom. 13:14, Gal. 5:17; 6:8; 1 Pet. 2:11). We aren’t as selfless as Jesus, nor are we as humble, compassionate, prayerful, wise, courageous, dependent on God as He. What then are we to do about our shortcomings? We are to deal with them as real (1:8) and never forget that we are sinners saved by grace (1:10; 1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 2:8-9).

Confession: We are to confess our sins to the holy God (1:9). We are to know and embrace God’s laws as holy, righteous, and good (Rom. 7:12); wave the white flag and say, “You are right, and I am wrong”; and depend on the blood of Jesus for our cleansing (1:7). Therein is a fountain of blood wide enough to cover all our sins (2:2). We draw near to God for mercy and grace (Heb. 4:16).

Repentance: Lastly, we are to repent (2:1). John won’t put up with a carwash Christianity. We who have fellowship with God must not perpetuate the cycle of getting a wash, then driving into the same old swamp, until we return to the wash with the same muck and grime—rinse and repeat with no progress. John shuts the door on that type of “go nowhere” Christianity. He tells us in no uncertain terms that he writes “so that you may not sin.” This is to say, those who believe the holy God and recognize the gravity of sin, must not wallow in that mire (2 Pet. 2:22). We are to bear the fruits of repentance (Matt. 3:8; Acts 26:20), mortify the flesh (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5), walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16), and grow to maturity (1 Pet. 2:2). We no longer walk in darkness (John 8:12).