How Christians Receive the Remission of Sins (1 John 1:5-10)
Introduction:
1. This morning we studied a number of passages that relate to "the remission of sins." a. We showed that the remission of sins is removal, cleansing, and forgiveness of sins. b. We showed why we need the remission of sins (Romans 3:23; 6:23). c. We also showed that remission of sins has certain requirements. 1) The shedding of the Lord's blood was required (Matthew 26:28). 2) Certain actions on our part are required (Acts 2:38). 3) The remission of sins requires preaching (Luke 24:46-47). 2. This evening we are studying passages that teach us "how Christians receive the remission of sins." 3. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. CHRISTIANS NEED FORGIVENESS WHEN WE SIN
A. John wrote this letter to Christians [people who had received the remission of sins]. B. According to 1 John 2:1a, he wrote this letter so Christians will avoid sin. C. However, when Christians sin, we have "an advocate with the Father" who is "the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:1b-2). D. Now that we have established the fact that Christians need forgiveness when we sin, let us turn our attention to the verses read earlier where John shows us . . .
II. HOW CHRISTIANS RECEIVE THE REMISSION OF SINS
A. (vs.5-7) In order to receive the remission of sins, we must walk in the light. 1. (vs.5) God is light -- there is no darkness in Him. 2. (vs.6) One who claims to have fellowship with God while walking in darkness is guilty of lying, and he fails to practice the truth. 3. (vs.7) One who walks in the light as God is in the light has fellowship with God and is continually cleansed by the Lord's blood. 4. In order to receive the remission of sins, a Christian must walk in the light. B. (vs.8-10) In order to receive the remission of sins, we must confess our sins. 1. John shows us what sin is -- the transgression of God's law (3:4). 2. According to Isaiah 59:2, sin separates us from God. 3. (vs.8) One who says that he has no sin only deceives himself. 4. (vs.10) One who says that he has not sinned does not have God's Word abiding in him. 5. However (vs.9), those who confess their sins will receive forgiveness. 6. Since the confession of sin is such a serious matter, let us briefly look at . . .
III. SOME PEOPLE WHO SAID, "I HAVE SINNED"
A. Pharaoh (Exodus 9:27) 1. The Egyptians were suffering from the plague of hail, and Pharaoh said that he had sinned. 2. It seems from vs.34 that he made this statement because he did not want to suffer from the hail any more. B. Saul (1 Samuel 15:24) 1. Saul had disobeyed God's instructions to destroy the Amalekites. 2. Saul did not admit that he had sinned until after Samuel informed him that God had rejected him as king. 3. It would appear that Saul made this statement because he did not want to lose his position as king. C. David (2 Samuel 12:13) 1. David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed. 2. After Nathan the prophet pointed out David's sin to him, he confessed that he had sinned (Psalm 51:4). 3. God forgave David, but David had to face the consequences of his actions. a. The sword never departed from his house (vs.10). b. Bathsheba's child died (vs.14). D. Judas (Matthew 27:3-4) 1. Judas acknowledged his sin of betraying the Lord. 2. However, he did not go to the right source for forgiveness. 3. He took his own life (vs.5). E. The prodigal son (Luke 15:18-19, 21)
Conclusion:
1. The Lord requires His people to walk in the light and confess our sins. 2. Thankfully, when we comply with the Lord's requirements His blood will cleanse us from all sin and unrighteousness. 3. Long ago, the wise man summed up the things we have studied in Proverbs 28:13 -- "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
