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Today's Little Lift

    by Jim Bullington

If We Say (1 John 1.6)
Date Posted: November 17, 2020

Is it possible to be wrong while exercising a right? Today's message responds to this question.

Speech is a gift. The ability to speak and the right to speak are privileges we frequently take for granted, especially here in America. These rights are guaranteed by the first amendment to our constitution; it reads: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Our government will go to great lengths to insure that every citizen is given the right to say whatever it is we want to say – and that is as it ought to be. However, just because we have the right to say something does not guarantee that it is right to say it!

For instance, we could say, “We have fellowship with Him [God].” However, if we say this while we “...walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1.6). I have the ability to speak such words – even if I lie when I do so. God granted us these rights when He empowered us to speak and placed within us a moral faculty to guide our actions. Our government has merely chosen to extend those same rights and guarantee them through the process of law. I have the right to say that I have fellowship with God, but whether or not I tell the truth when I so speak is an entirely different matter.

Or, I could choose to say, “I have no sin.” That is a God-given and a government protected right. However, there are consequences to making such an affirmation. John assures us that if we make such a boast, “...we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1.8). Rather than say we have no sin (a profession that is inconsistent with truth), John shows a better way. Inspired counsel would lead us to “confess our sins.” This is the opposite of denying them. When we do so, we are assured that “... He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1.9).

A third and final “If we say...” statement is also found in the opening chapter of 1John. It reads: “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1.10). While this final “If we say...” statement may look similar to the previous ones, it conveys some not so apparent truths. First, it implies an either/or proposition regarding truth. To state this explicitly, I cannot be right in saying something that contradicts what God has said! It cannot be both ways. Either I have sinned or I have not! The middle ground is taken away regarding the truth of God. What we think about that truth does not change the truth, but our words can make Him a liar. As one who struggles with all others robed in flesh, that is the last thing this writer wants to do! I must side with Paul in saying, “Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar.” (Romans 3.4). The consequence of making Him a liar is that “His word is not in us.” Again, we see the exclusive nature of truth. There are some things that are simply irreconcilable when it comes to truth! I cannot have God's word in me while denying what He has said!

As citizens of the world and citizens of America, we have certain rights of speech that are guaranteed. Human blood paid the price for this freedom and it continues to be the cost to guarantee that right into tomorrow. However, no sacrifice or combination of human sacrifices can alter the truth of God regarding sin and forgiveness. Pride may prompt us to say what is untrue and that without civil penalty. However, God's justice transcends human law and will trump all human decrees in the end. We can say what we wish to say, but for it to be well with our souls, our words should be weighed ever so carefully!

Questions:

1. In 1 John 1.6, what is meant by the phrase, “walk in darkness”?

2. Why is confession of sin a prerequisite to forgiveness? What does pride have to do with such an admission? Where does human pride come into play when it comes to eternal salvation?

3. If we “make God a liar”, is He really a liar? If not, who is actually the liar? Explain.

4. When does exercising a right potentially become a wrong? What obligation does this place on me regarding how I use the freedoms that are granted to me through civil law?

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

Grace

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Biography Information:
Jim Bullington - A Christian writer whose insight into the scriptures is reflected in practical application lessons in every article. The reader will find that the Bible speaks directly to him/her through these articles. God is always exalted and His word is treated with the utmost respect in this column.
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