If We Say We Have No Sin

I once encountered a professing Christian who boldly declared he had not sinned in over ten years. The Apostle John’s words resound: “He has deceived himself, and the truth is not in him.” False teachings occasionally surface, suggesting that individuals can rise above the struggle with sin entirely in this life, but the Word of God says otherwise.

John provides this profound truth in 1 John 1:8: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” He is speaking to believers about walking in the light. When he talks about our sin, it is in the present tense, which means our having sin is not merely a thing of the past. It is current. Biblical history, Church History, and even our own experience all confirm there is a war between the flesh and the Spirit within every born-again believer.

Claiming sinlessness is not only saying they have stayed away from everything prohibited by God in word, thought, deed, and desire, but it also claims to have done everything he commanded perfectly. For someone to claim they have loved the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and loved every neighbor as themselves every second of every day for ten years is beyond delusional. It is saying their righteousness is equal with Christ himself in their earthly humanity.

To assert sinlessness, even as a Christian, is self-deception, and it exposes a lack of truth within us—it is walking in darkness. John’s words hold a vital lesson for those striving to walk in the light—it doesn’t demand perfection. Instead, it beckons a disposition of the soul toward Jesus. It involves recognizing our struggle with sin and constant trust in the imputed righteousness he provides through his death on the cross and resurrection.

Though Jesus has forgiven our iniquities and even our conscience has been washed clean by his blood, we are still aware of our indwelling sin and commanded to fight against it. Though our sin no longer condemns us, we still must acknowledge it and strive to put it to death.

Renowned theologian Matthew Henry wisely noted that Christianity is a religion of sinners. Understanding our sinful nature is essential, for if you do not think you are a sinner, then you do not think you need a Savior. If you do not think you need a Savior, then you do not know Jesus—the truth is not in you.

Awareness of the depth of our sinfulness brings us face-to-face with the reality of the cross. The more we grasp the extent of our transgressions, the more our understanding of what Jesus endured for our sake becomes profound. Conversely, the more we comprehend the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice, the more we will know the depth of our own sinfulness.

Not only does deceiving ourselves about our current sinfulness darken our hearts about what Christ accomplished for us, but we will not fight against the sin we deny exists within us. In essence, 1 John 1:8 teaches us that humility before God involves acknowledging our ongoing need for His grace. Walking in the light is not about claiming perfection but embracing our dependence on Jesus. By recognizing our sinfulness and working to mortify it, we find a deeper connection with the crucified Savior, understanding the magnitude of His sacrifice on our behalf.

Like Paul, we cry out, “Who will save me from this body of death?” The only answer to that question is Jesus. He has justified us, he is sanctifying us, and he will one day make us sinless through glorification when we awaken in his presence and see him face to face. Until that day in glory, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

-D. Eaton