1 John 2:1-2

We come to the end of the line of thought portrayed in 1 Jn. 1:5-2:1 with a plea towards “my little children”

That Ye Sin Not

The previous argument was not to say “Sin is inescapable; therefore, we’re doomed!”, nor “Sin is inescapable; therefore, sin on!”, but quite the opposite -> a call to holiness, not apathy

What is the ultimate driving force of holiness? -> Unlimited forgiveness through the love of God promised before we ever sin (this is not a contradiction!) (2 Cor. 5:14-21)

What rational person could abuse such love? Enemy to friend (before a holy God), beholding the cross that made that possible, hearing the call to take up your cross

Take heed to Israel’s example (Hosea 2:1-8) -> behold, what manner of love! (1 Jn. 3:1)

Not only does John teach in chapter 1 that there is security in Christ for the believer regarding sin, but divine motivation to go forward refusing the pleasures of sin.

If You Sin

Although the call is a call of holiness and the believer is divinely moved in the Holy Spirit to sin no more, the reality is sin is still unavoidable in this life.

We have such a sweet promise to hold onto!

We have an advocate with the father -> continually pleading based on His merit (Rom.8:28-39)

Jesus Christ -> Jesus the Christ -> the one prophesied and anxiously awaited -> fulfillment of hope!

The Righteous -> in His sufficiency (both to render Christ and the sinner as righteous) and His advocating

Propitiation for our sins, and the sins of the whole world -> wrath of God is satisfied for those who trust in Christ (1 Pet. 2:6-8)

This Christ through the Holy Spirit moves us from sin and gives confidence even after sinning

Conclusion: The line of thought portrayed in 1 Jn. 1:5-2:2 set the foundation for a genuine believer:

God is light, and those who have fellowship with Him walk in the light

Walking in the light is only possible by grace through faith -> We can’t claim sinlessness, but we can confidently claim forgiveness through the atoning work of Christ!

This forgiveness of sins is only possible through confession of sin (repentance) and faith in the work that Christ has done.