Sinless Perfection

Another of the most pernicious errors taught in the church is that of sinless perfection. This is most offensive due to the fact that we are beset by indwelling sin. This will rob a believer, especially a longtime believer, of much peace. Having been a Christian for quite a while many of the old actual sins have vanished. Actual sins are those that take a special effort to commit. During this maturing process one can see actual improvement in behaviour which is quite amazing and assuring to the person.

You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
(1 John 3:5-6 ESV)

The above section is abused in order to show that one who is in Jesus does not sin. This is very disconcerting to the believer who is reading the law and taking it serious. The law always accuses and Satan, the flesh, false and erring brethren will constantly toss this in the face to terrify the believer. After a time of seeing the hopelessness of fulfilling the perceive requirement of a sinless life the person could lose faith.

But is this a faithful representation of St John? As always context is queen, When backing up a sentence, one small set of words and the picture is quite different.

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
(1 John 3:4 ESV)

So there we have it don't we? Close context shows not a person falling into sin and having a heart broken due to the sin but rather the one who makes a practice of the sin. I am sure everyone has heard from some people how he or she will brag on his or her sin. They seem to be looking to become better and better sinners and have no concern about it. Some of these people perhaps confess Christ as Saviour and say that they are forgiven so no big deal. This adds salt to the injury of the terrified conscience who will despair of his or her standing in the Lord.

The good news is that Jesus came to take upon himself the sin and death we all have by reason of our fallen condition. By the holy innocent suffering and death of Jesus on the cross all the debt for the entire human race is paid for. How tragic that a person will reject this gift in favour of a short time fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

(1 John 1:8-9 ESV)

Let us believe this good news and live in the peace it gives. In the name of Jesus. Amen. †