LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Responding to Present Needs (2)
As we said yesterday, in his first epistle, the apostle John deals with four or five themes in a circular fashion, always returning to each of them, but always adding something new. Each of these themes responds to one of the warnings our Lord gave concerning the last days.
The first theme is sin. The Lord warned that in the end time wickedness would increase (Matt. 24:12). If we look around, we already see the fulfillment of this prophecy, although it will undoubtedly increase even more. What will be the fate of a Christian in such an environment? What can the Christian do immersed in such a sinful world? The apostle offers us God's solution to this problem.
First of all, the Christian who has sinned must acknowledge his sin, and confess it. "If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 Jn. 1:8). Recognizing that one has sinned, and confessing it, is the first step in solving the problem.
Then, we have the precious blood of the Lord on our behalf: "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7). The blood of the Lord is the most effective "instrument", and it never loses its value.
Third, God has provided for the Christian who has sinned, an Advocate in heaven: "If anyone has sinned, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 Jn. 2:1). The fault has already been committed, but we have the best Advocate to intercede for us. Will not our defense be effective?
Fourth, it is God's own life that is within us, which does not sin. The former resources are outside of us; this one is within us. "Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin, for the seed of God abides in him" (1 Jn. 3:9). It is not that the Christian does not sin, but that he does not practice sin. Sin is the exception, not the rule. Why? Because the life of God abides in him.
Fifthly, we have the intercession of the brother, in the case of one who has sinned, and who has been seen by another. He may intercede for his brother, and God will forgive him. "If anyone sees his brother committing a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and God shall give him life" (1 Jn. 5:16). The prayer of the church (represented here by a brother), is effective in coming to the aid of the weakened member. The help, then, comes also from the brother.
As we see, God's provision for the problem of sin is multiple, and completely effective. Some operate from without, with respect to God, such as the blood of Jesus Christ, and the intercessory function of the Son of God as Advocate. Another operates from within: the seed of God abiding in us, which gives us the power not to commit sin. Finally, help comes again from without, this time horizontally, from our own brother.
Is the sin that surrounds us -and tries to seduce us- an insoluble problem for the Christian? It is a problem, yes; but not without a solution, because God has provided everything necessary for our victory. Hallelujah!