What is the meaning of 1 John 1:10? If we say we have not sinned • John writes, “If we say we have not sinned…” (1 John 1:10). He is speaking to professing believers, not outsiders, reminding us that everyone stands guilty before God. • Scripture consistently testifies that sin is universal: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23); “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:3). • Claiming sinlessness is self-deception (see v. 8) and contradicts passages like Proverbs 20:9, “Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin’?” • John’s wording exposes any tendency to minimize sin—whether by redefining it, comparing ourselves with others, or ignoring God’s standards. we make Him out to be a liar • Denying personal sin doesn’t merely mislead ourselves; it brands God a liar because His Word declares that every human being has fallen. • God’s character is truth itself: “It is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18); “God…cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). Claiming the opposite of what He has revealed assaults His integrity. • In effect, it aligns us with the father of lies (John 8:44), whereas believers are called to walk in truth (3 John 4). • A practical takeaway: owning our sin honors God’s truthfulness and opens the door for cleansing (1 John 1:9). and His word is not in us • Persistent denial of sin shows that God’s word has not taken root in the heart. Genuine reception of Scripture produces conviction, confession, and repentance (Psalm 119:11; James 1:21–22). • “His word” here echoes John 17:17—“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” If that truth is absent, so is the sanctifying work it brings. • The phrase parallels John’s earlier test: those who claim fellowship with God yet walk in darkness “lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6). • The evidence of God’s word dwelling in us includes: – Sensitivity to sin (Psalm 51:3) – Ongoing confession (Proverbs 28:13) – Growth in obedience (John 14:23) summary John’s straightforward sentence dismantles any pretense of personal perfection. Denying our sinfulness contradicts God’s clear testimony, insults His truthfulness, and exposes an empty heart untouched by His Word. The proper response is humble agreement with God, leading to the cleansing and fellowship promised in the surrounding verses. |
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