God's Justice in Forgiveness
1 John 1:8-10
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.…


In a conversation which the Rev. Mr. Innes had with an infidel on his sick bed, he told him that when he was taken ill he thought he would rely on the general mercy of God; that as he had never done anything very bad, he hoped all would be well. "But as my weakness increased," he added, "I began to think, 'Is not God a just being as well as merciful? Now what reason have I to think He will treat me with mercy, and not with justice?' and if I am treated with justice," he said, with much emotion, "WHERE AM I?" "I showed him," says Mr. Innes, "that this was the very difficulty the gospel was sent to remove, as it showed how mercy could be exercised in perfect consistency with the strictest demands of justice, while it was bestowed through the atonement made by Jesus Christ. After explaining this doctrine, and pressing it on his attention and acceptance, one of the last things he said to me before leaving him was, 'Well, I believe it must come to this. I confess I see here a solid footing to rest on, which, on my former principles, I could never find.'"

(K. Arvine.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

WEB: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.




Divine Forgiveness
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