My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ the Righteous One—1 John 2:1.
God hates sin. Don’t you? I know I do. But isn’t it amazing how we’ll fall back into the same old traps again and again? The goal is not to sin even one sin! But knowing our struggle against flesh, John also gives assurance to those of us who are trying to live faithful and pure lives. He wants us to know that when we do sin, the sacrifice for our sins, God’s Son, is also our defense attorney who proclaims us sinless before God by his blood (Colossians 1:22; 1 John 1:7, 2:2). So let’s draw close to Christ. Let’s invite him into our hearts each morning as we begin the day (Revelation 3:20). Let’s trust in his power and grace to sustain us and carry us through. As Paul prayed for new believers in Thessalonica: May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)