1 John 2:1-2
Which
is easier, to not have unprotected sexual contact or to stay on antiviral drugs
for the rest of your life? Is it easier to not embezzle funds from the corporate
retirement account or to spend years in a federal prison in shame and disgrace?
To avoid the negative consequences of wrong actions is as easy and avoiding the
wrong actions. Just do the right thing instead!
John
knew that part of the consequence of the Gospel in our lives is a reduction in
sinful behavior. I said reduction, not elimination. Elimination only happens
when we put on our heavenly body and this earthly body is no more. The goal is
sinless perfection, but no one comes to Christ before the first sin, and no one
lives a life of perfect obedience after becoming a Jesus-follower. We still live
in a fallen world with all the complications of sin and the weakness of our
earthly life.
Our
goal is for greater obedience and less rebellion in our lives. And John writes
these words in our text to make sure we are moving in the right direction. In
Christ we now have the resources for total obedience. There is no excuse for
sin in the Jesus-follower’s life. No excuse. No matter the temptation, we can
endure it. We don’t have to give into the temptation’s wooing. We don’t have to
yield to its tug. No matter how hard it pulls on our spirit and soul, there is
greater power in the risen Jesus with whom we share a vital, living connection.
His resources are at the ready to come to our aid when temptation strikes.
But
when the failure happens on our part the resources of heaven are still
available for our restoration. Jesus stands up and speaks on our behalf. He
presents our case and applies His payment to our account. We initiate this
process when we confess our sins. But in reality the process did not start with
our sin, but with His provision. He loved us first, long before we ever even thought
about obedience.
There
is a longstanding debate in some circles of Christianity about the extent of
Jesus’ sacrifice, whether Jesus paid for every sin, or only for the sins of
those who actually become Jesus-followers. The argument goes that if Jesus died
for every sin, some of His work was wasted, didn’t have the desired effect and
therefore God’s will was thwarted. God wanted something, the redemption of
everyone, but was unable to accomplish this. So Jesus must have only paid for
the sins of those who would eventually receive forgiveness.
Our
text states, in line with the whole of Scripture that Jesus died for the sins
of everyone, both individually and collectively. I happen to believe that it is
much simpler to believe these words than to have to go through the mental
gymnastics that are required if the alternative is true. Jesus died for every
sin in every age in every person. He didn’t give it all for a select few. His
call to repentance is genuine, not just potential.
So
we need to heed the intention of Scripture that we live a life of obedience
without sin. Our goal must always be to live in the light of His sacrifice for
us. He gives us everything. We should not waste His sacrifice. Forgiveness is a
costly business. It cost Jesus His life. Don’t we owe Him ours?