1 John 5:17
“All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.”

Ever tried to justify it? Wasn’t your fault, you were just responding. Do you make excuses or justifications for why it isn’t that bad? I love how blunt and succinct John is: It’s all sin!

Today I could list a variety of ways, as could have John, that we try to convince ourselves we aren’t that bad. But John leaves it open ended to confront our hearts, so that as we read this, we won’t be arrogant in bringing prayers for someone else who has fallen. We are reminded we are just like them, only we have a different sin into which we’ve fallen.

One of the greatest comforts in today’s verse is a line that can be confusing, “and there is sin that does not lead to death.” On the one hand, it is stark because it makes me wonder if I’ve fallen down that path, but it’s meant as a comfort. Author Paul Tripp puts it this way, “we live in the ’already’ but ‘not yet!’” We are already redeemed, forgiven, and have eternal life, but we are not yet in heaven, so sinful nature still rears its ugly head. These words are meant as a warning but also as a comfort—that if you mess up, you aren’t out of the kingdom. Your Heavenly Father still loves you, cares for you, and is protecting you.

Prayer: We are all beggars before your throne, O God, able to bring nothing, yet always in need, asking for what we have neither earned nor deserved. We come only because the blood of your Son Jesus purifies us from every sin. Give us certainty in your promises; give us conviction in your words. We have value before you because of your Son, and your Son alone. Look to him and accept us as your own.

Time for personal prayers of repentance

Assurance of Forgiveness: God is faithful in keeping his promises for he has sent his Son Jesus, just as he promised, and nurtured a church around his saving life, death and resurrection. His promise is this: Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen