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?
The Arnold Journey 