How does 1 John 3:5 emphasize Jesus' role in taking away sins? The Verse in Focus “But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin.” (1 John 3:5) Plain Meaning of “take away” • “Appeared” points to the Incarnation—Jesus stepped into history on purpose. • “To take away” translates a verb used for lifting up and carrying off a burden; the idea is removal, not merely covering. • John presents it as a completed mission: sin’s penalty and power were decisively dealt with at the cross. Why His Sinlessness Matters • “In Him there is no sin”—His perfect purity qualifies Him as the spotless Lamb (1 Peter 2:22). • Because He “knew no sin” He could be “made sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21), a righteous substitute bearing what we deserved. • If any sin were in Him, He’d need redemption Himself; instead, He is the Redeemer. How He Takes Away Sins—Biblical Thread • John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”—same verb and mission. • Isaiah 53:4-6 foretells the Servant bearing our iniquities and removing transgression. • Hebrews 9:26: “He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” • 1 John 2:2: He is “the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” • Colossians 2:13-14: He canceled the record of debt, nailing it to the cross. • Result: forgiveness is objective and complete—“As far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). Living Response to This Truth • Abide in Him (1 John 3:6). Staying close to the Sin-Bearer keeps us from habitual sin. • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). The same Savior who removed sin’s penalty cleanses its daily defilement. • Walk in righteousness (1 John 3:7). We don’t earn forgiveness, but we display its reality. • Share the news. If sin is truly taken away, withholding that hope from others is unthinkable. Quick Summary 1 John 3:5 anchors our assurance: Jesus appeared with one central goal—lift our sins off us—and His flawless character guarantees the job is finished. |
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