1 John 1.7-2.1
[7] If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. [8] If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. [2.1] My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. [2] He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
The first step to becoming a Christian is to recognise my natural sinfulness and my need to be put right with God. Then I will find that living the Christian life is difficult, and that old sin, though dealt with on the cross of Jesus, will keep coming back. But if I admit my failures, and turn to God – not for eternal salvation, for that is assured to those who trust Christ, but for daily cleansing – then he will hear me and intercede for me. What does that mean? – he will say to the Father, ‘That poor weak believer has sinned yet again, but I shed my blood for him, so his sins are covered by my sacrifice.’
Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
(John Newton)
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