Answers 02 – Why Avoid Sin If All Our Sins Are Already Forgiven?

Answers 02 Why Avoid Sin If All Our Sins Are Already Forgiven? – David Hibbert.

Introduction

In this series called “Answers”, my goal is to help you, by sharing with you short, Biblical answers to questions that people have been asking me. Today’s question:

Why Avoid Sin If All Our Sins Are Already Forgiven?

The Bible says that Jesus has paid the price for all of our sins for all time.

Hebrews 7:27, NIV – (27) Unlike the other high priests, he [Jesus] does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

So, because of the one-time sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, the price has been paid for sins for all mankind, and for all time. Then why be concerned about sinning?

1. Jesus’ Sacrifice Must Be Received By Repentance And Faith.

Even though Jesus has paid the price for every sin – past, present and future – for every person, only those who repent, and receive His sacrifice by faith, actually get to experience His forgiveness.

Acts 2:38, NIV – (38) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. …

Forgiveness from sins only comes through repentance, and faith in the sacrifice of Christ.

But what about Christians who sin? We have repented of our sins, and accepted the sacrifice of Jesus, so all our sins – past, present and future – have been forgiven. So why be concerned about sinning?

2. Forgiveness Has Been Given, But Confession Must Be Ongoing.

1 John 1:9, NIV – (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

The context of this verse, is John writing to Christians, people who have repented, and received forgiveness through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus.

a) We Still Sin.

First, John makes it clear that Christians still do sin.

b) We Must Confess New Sin.

Second, John says that we must confess every new sin.

The word “confess” means “to agree with”. So every time we sin, we must agree with God, that it was a sin, and that it was wrong. However, if we agree with God that our sin in wrong, then why would we want to do it?

Now, what happens if we do not confess our new sins, as Christians?

3. Without Ongoing Confession, We Will Suffer The Consequences Of Our New Sins.

1 John 1:9, NIV – (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

a) We Will Suffer The Consequences Of Our New Sins.

First, John says that our new sins won’t be forgiven, meaning that we will suffer the consequences of our new sins. Because we don’t confess or agree that our new sin was wrong, we stop God from releasing us from the consequences of our new sin, like guilt, shame, depression, sickness, and more.

b) We Will Suffer The Impurity That Comes From Sin.

Second, John says that we will not be purified from all unrighteousness. That means that if we sin, but do not agree with God that the sin was wrong, that sin may become a stronghold in our lives, and result in a life-damaging habit, an addiction, or a life-controlling problem. And then we will start to live very unrighteous lives, which will dishonour the name of Jesus, and cause us to live a miserable life.

Summary

As Christians, because we repented and accepted the sacrifice of Jesus we are saved and will still go to heaven. But if we do not practice ongoing confession, we will experience a lot of mental, emotional and spiritual torment, and live miserable and defeated lives as Christians.