We Deceive Ourselves 1 John 1:8-10

"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 has no place in our lives." 1 John 1:8-10

I like this. That everyone has sinned. Even the most ardent church goer, even the person who reads the bible constantly and can tell you exactly what it says about any situation, ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Anyone who claims they are without sin is deceiving themselves and maybe trying to deceive everyone else. It doesn't work very well and doesn't do them any good.

If we confess our sins though...he is faithful and JUST to forgive us our sins. This is really neat...we just have to stop trying to hide that we are not perfect, that we mess up, that we sin, which God already knows of course...and so does everyone else. We just have to admit it...confess it and he will forgive us.

And not only forgive...but CLEANSE us. Cleanse us of all unrighteousness. That won't make us permanently clean though...so long as we keep sinning we will need to be forgiven and cleansed. For most of us that will be true for the rest of our lives or until Jesus returns.

Lord haste the day. We need it.