How can the idolatrous sinner be reconciled to God?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 3 - Receive God's Forgiveness, Questions 10-12, p. 45
In the Gospel of John, we find truths about the essence and nature of Jesus Christ revealed. John 14:6 states, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the ultimate embodiment of truth. This declaration is pivotal, as it positions Jesus not merely as a teacher of truth but as Truth itself.
Turning to John 1:1, we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse introduces us to the concept of the Word (Logos) as divine and eternal, coexistent with God and indeed, being God. The Word here is unmistakably Jesus Christ, affirming His divinity and integral role in the creation and sustaining of all things.
With these foundational truths about Jesus as both the Truth and the Word, we approach 1 John 1:8 and 10, which confronts us with a sobering reality: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth (Jesus) is not in us... If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word (Jesus) is not in us.” The implications are profound. Denying our sin equates to rejecting the Truth (Jesus) and the Word (Jesus).
When we deny our sin, we essentially distance ourselves from the very essence of Jesus, who came to redeem and forgive. This denial not only deceives ourselves but also positions us in opposition to His redemptive work. By rejecting the Truth, we reject the light and guidance that Jesus offers, which leads us into a state of spiritual blindness and self-deception.
However, assurance and hope are offered through the gospel, as stated in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This verse affirms that despite our sins, when we confess and accept Jesus as our Savior, we are freed from condemnation. This truth brings us back into alignment with the Word and the Truth, restoring our relationship with God and granting us eternal life.
Acknowledging our sin and embracing the Truth and the Word—Jesus Christ—are essential to our faith journey. Confession brings us into the light of His grace, while denial leads us astray. Let us, therefore, walk in the light, assured of our salvation through Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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