How does John 15:22 highlight the importance of acknowledging sin before God? The Setting Jesus Describes John 15 captures Jesus’ final teaching to His disciples before the cross. Verse 22 reads: “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin.” How Revelation Raises Accountability - Jesus’ coming and His words brought God’s light into full view. - Once truth is clearly revealed, people must respond—either in humble repentance or stubborn rejection. - His statement removes every claim of ignorance: “no excuse.” What This Means for Acknowledging Sin - Sin is not merely an unfortunate human tendency; it is open rebellion exposed by Christ’s own words. - Refusing to admit sin puts us in the same posture as those who heard Him but still rejected Him. - Acknowledgment is not optional; it is the first act of honest faith. Scriptural Echoes of This Principle - John 3:19–20: “Light has come into the world… everyone who does evil hates the Light.” - Romans 1:20: “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities… have been clearly seen… so that men are without excuse.” - 1 John 1:8–9: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” Why Ignoring Sin Is Dangerous • It hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:13). • It blinds the mind (2 Corinthians 4:4). • It invites judgment rather than grace (Proverbs 28:13). Practical Steps to Embrace Honest Confession 1. Let Scripture speak plainly—read passages that name specific sins. 2. Ask the Spirit to search your heart (Psalm 139:23–24). 3. Agree with God immediately when conviction comes; don’t rationalize. 4. Rest in Christ’s atonement—He exposes sin to forgive it, not to crush you (John 1:29). 5. Walk in renewed obedience, trusting His Spirit to empower change (Galatians 5:16). Encouragement for Today Acknowledging sin is not a defeat but the pathway to freedom. Jesus’ words in John 15:22 still ring out, urging every listener to drop excuses, face the truth, and receive the cleansing only He can give. |
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