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"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves..."

Text: 1 John 1:8

DENIAL OF SIN

The Apostle John also dealt with people who do not believe in sin. Some went on to deny the existence of sin. How was this problem of denial of sin dealt with?

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.”
1 John 1:8

1. Another Second Class Conditional Sentence

a) We have another conditional sentence here.

b) The first part of the sentence is called “the protasis”.

c) There were people who claimed that they did not have sin at all.

d) This statement is queried strongly.

2. Why do people deny the fact of sin?

a) Some refuse to accept the fact of sin because that would mean admission of guilt.

b) Others deny sin as an antiquated way of thinking.

i) Sin is a matter of perspective.

ii) Sin is relative not absolute.

iii) Often the rejection of sin intimates the rejection of God.

3. “We deceive ourselves”

a) Sin is a fact of life.

b) Sin is so obvious.

c) Self-deception often results in denial of sin.

4. “The truth is not in us”

a) We are reminded of what King David wrote in Psalms 32 and 51.

b) The following were his observations about sin.

i) He acknowledged sin and its consequences.

ii) He recognised that he was born sinful.

iii) He knew that sin has to be confessed.

iv) Cleansing from sin also must be sought at all cost.

c) If we are in denial of sin, then the truth of God’s word is certainly not in our hearts.