1 John 2:1-2 – My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.

John indicates a follower of Jesus should not sin. However, he uses that word “if” again to indicate we may sin and points us to Jesus as our help when we do.

But what is sin?

Throughout the history of the church there have been, and still are, lists of what is sin. Different words have been used.

• Transgression
• Disobedience
• Missing the mark
• Overstepping the law
• Rebellion
• Not meeting God’s standard

Sin, whatever it is, is a serious issue.

Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 9:22 – And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission for sins.

Thankfully Jesus made a way for us to find forgiveness. How do we do that? Through repentance. Repentance is more than saying “I’m sorry.” It includes:

• Confession of sin
• Forsaking of sin
• Turning to God.

Psalm 38:18 – For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin.

Luke 18:13 – And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’

Luke 15:21 – And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

As we turn from sin and to God, we accept by faith His forgiveness.

• Know that faith works
• Agree that fasith works
• Agree that “it’s for me”

What is faith? It includes both intellectual agreement and trust. Intellectual agreement is believing something to be true. Trust is actually relying on the fact that the something is true. Often a chair has been used to illustrate this. Intellectual agreement is recognizing that a chair is a chair and agreeing that it is designed to support a person who sits on it. Trust is actually sitting in the chair.

Job 19:25 – I know that my Redeemer lives.

There are, just like sin, many different words used to describe this redemption by Jesus Christ.

• Propitiation – God’s demand that punishment for sin be satisfied
• Adoption – made a part of the family of God
• Redemption – price paid as a ransom
• Justification – declared righteous with God because of shed blood of Jesus
• Reconciliation – restored to fellowship with God
• Substitution – we deserved death, but Christ died for us
• Sacrifice (mediator) – one who gives what is necessary to bring God and man together.