Self-Examination

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:8-9 NKJV

Many movements within Christianity teach that we can attain perfection through behavior modification. However, an honest self-examination would reveal the fallacy in such claims. The apostle John, writing in the New Testament book of 1 John and guided by the Holy Spirit, directly addresses this issue with the church of his day. He warns against these teachings, stating, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” A genuine self-examination will confirm that John’s profound wisdom is true.

No one is without sin, nor will anyone be without sin, until the day that Christ returns; He is the only one without sin. The Scripture says God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to become sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). If you were to do a self-examination, you would see your sin.

The Pharisees boasted of their obedience to the law. But can anyone keep the law of God? The Pharisees were self-righteous. They believed that through obedience to God’s law, they could attain perfection. Their outward appearance made them appear righteous, but their hearts were full of contempt. Little did they know that they were only modifying their behavior. The Pharisees never conducted a self-examination; they only examined the sins of others.

Examine Yourself

One day, the Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus, whom they claimed was caught in the act of adultery. They told Jesus what the law commanded and asked His opinion of the matter. Rather than answer them, Jesus knelt and began writing in the sand with His finger. Then He stood up and said: “Whoever is without sin, throw the first stone” (John 8:4-7 NLV). He did this to prompt the Pharisees to conduct a self-examination to reveal their own hidden sin.

While outward appearances can conceal our sins from others, they cannot hide our sins from God. Any sin is big with our righteous God. When we say we have no sin, we call God a liar, and the Bible says God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18).

There is a bright side to today’s Scripture verse. The end of the verse says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Today, conduct a self-examination. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal your hidden sins. Then ask Him to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

Lord, Your love for me is truly amazing. I thank You for forgiving me when I ask for forgiveness.