These are some tough words to swallow, aren’t they? I mean, I mess up pretty much every day. Does that mean that if I sin I’m not saved?
The word used for “sin” is “hamartanei” which means “to miss the mark.” Sounds like Romans 3:23, doesn’t it?
Anyone who continues to live in Him will not miss the mark because of the amazing gift of Jesus. In Him, all our sins are atoned for, there is no more missing the mark.
When we see a person who claims to be a believer, but lives a life of continual wrongdoing (according to God’s Word), this measure helps to determine if they really know Jesus or understand Who He is.
Our behavior tells others whether or not
we are truly a follower of Jesus.
Anyone who can keep on choosing self over God or pleasure over obedience doesn’t know Jesus and the exorbitant price He paid for their rescue from the penalty of missing the mark. If someone continues falling in line with human culture instead of God’s will, they simply don’t understand who God is and have not experienced salvation. They have either been duped by the enemy or they are trying to fool themselves and others.
This verse can be encouragement or it could evoke concern.
If you’ve chosen to follow Jesus, your sins are covered. Your days of missing the mark are over. If you’re still choosing self–putting you on the throne of your life instead of Jesus and making choices that are anti-God, John says you don’t know the Savior or understand who He is. Hear me, there’s an answer for this! If you see yourself in this position, all you have to do is choose Jesus. Romans 10:9-10 explains the steps to start the journey of following Christ, and 1 John 1:9 tells what to do if you step off the path and need to get back on.
Every day is a choice.
Choose to go your own way or choose to go God’s.
Your choice will be evident to others.
If you know someone who needs to make changes, don’t go batter them with these words. Pray for them, that the Holy Spirit will reveal truth to them. You just keep living the way God leads you.
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
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