Without Sin

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9 NIV

Who's kidding who? We'd all like to be without sin, but the Truth is we are not. Romans 3:23 tells us, For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard [emphasis mine]. Reading in James yesterday, chapter 2 tells us even if we keep the whole law and only offend in one point, we're guilty of all. 

What hope do we have of making Heaven? Romans 7:25a, Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Only Jesus. Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but Jesus was and is the sinless, spotless Lamb, the Perfect Sacrifice to free us from the guilt of sin. It's His righteousness that purifies us. Colossians 1:21-22 NLT declares This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Only Jesus...

Prayer:

Father,

          Are there even words we can utter that could possibly express the magnitude of our gratefulness to You? It is so difficult to grasp the full weight of Your love and grace and mercy toward us. Thank You for Your plan of salvation for all of mankind! Keep us ever mindful of the great price that was paid so we could be brought into right-standing with You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen