1 John 1:8-10

Jerry Shirley tells a story about a King who visited a slave ship. There was a slave galley where they chained prisoners to the oars and made them row.

The King decided to go below the deck, and talk to those who were chained to the oars. And he asked one man, “Why are you here?”

“Oh,” he said, “Sire, I don’t know why I’m here. I was in a crowd when a crime was committed and when they arrested everybody, they got me, but I’m innocent!”

He asked another, and said, “Why are you here?”

“Oh, sire, noble King, I have enemies who have lied about me, but I’m not really guilty. I’m the victim of false witnesses who have lied about me.”

As the King went through the galley each one had some reason why he was innocent and should not be there. Finally he came to one man, who said, “Sire, I’m here because I deserve to be here. I’ve sinned. I’m guilty, I’m receiving the just recompense for my sin. I’ve sinned against my God, I’ve sinned against my King and now I’m paying the penalty for my sin.”

When the King heard the prisoner’s confession, he stepped back and exclaimed, “You rascal! You scum! What are you doing here among so many honest men? Guards, release him and get him out of here.”

This story, while containing an element of humor, often describes human nature and the majority of people who have a problem admitting their wrongs. In today’s text, the apostle John hits to the heart of the problem, but also offers a wonderful answer.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

The passage teaches us several important lessons

(1) We have all have sinned.

Everyone accountable human being on earth has committed sin. Indeed, “there is none righteous, no, not one.” Sin is the common challenge of humankind regardless of race, economic condition, social status, or religious affiliation.

Remember, John is writing to Christians. Unlike Paul who chronicled the past sins of the Gentile world in Romans 1 and the failures of the Jews in chapter 2, John is speaking to those of us who are already walking in the light. Christians are not immune to sin.

(2) To deny our sins is to deceive ourselves, reject the Truth, and impugn God.

Too many, like those in the story of the slaves, tend to make excuses, shift blame, and refuse personal responsibility. God holds each of us accountable for attitudes and actions regardless of the circumstances surrounding our sins.

The word sin in this verse is hamartia, which literally means “to miss the mark.” W. E. Vine says  “It is the most comprehensive term for moral obliquity” or moral darkness and human failure. It may refer to sins of commission or commission.

Who among us has not missed the mark in some way with respect to obeying God’s Word? Either in speech? Or actions? Or attitude? Or by failing to do good, when we have the opportunity?

(3) Confession is the only answer.

When all the excuses are exhausted and honest examination occurs, we will have to simply say, like King David, “I have sinned.” It’s painful. Sometimes embarrassing. Definitely humbling. But, it’s the only correct course of action

Failure to confess our sins not only affects our relationship with God and with other people, but also is the source of internal strife and guilt. Sin steals the joy of our salvation. Warren Wiersbe was right when he wrote, “Basically, sin is the cause of the unhappiness that overwhelms our world today. Sin promises joy but it always produces sorrow. The pleasures of sin are temporary – they are only for a season (Heb 11:25). God’s pleasures last eternally – they are forevermore (Ps 16:11).”

(4) The King will forgive us.

Christ is a compassionate King. He is gracious and merciful. He is loving and kind. He is faithful and forgiving. He is not interested in humiliating us. Hurting us. Or brow-beating us over our sins.

The result is wonderful. When we realize our sins, admit our sins, confess our sin, and receive forgiveness of our sins, we will enjoy spiritual cleansing. Now the burden has been lifted. The conscience is clear. The heart is pure. The mind is free from guilt.

What a wonderful promise. And a delightful expectation.

Following this Biblical injunction will release us from sin’s slavery of our past life, give us a present life that is filled with joy and peace and offer the hope of a future life in heavenly mansions.

When the King comes to question you, be honest. He already knows the Truth.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman