The key to solving the problem of sin is the help we receive through
Jesus Christ. Jesus was born not only to make possible forgiveness of
the past, but to help us conquer the strongholds of sin, the entrenched
habits that are so difficult to dislodge from our lives. He is our merciful
High Priest in heaven (Hebrews 2:17-18; 8:1-2; 9:11-14; 10:19-23), interceding
with the Father on our behalf (Romans 8:34).
As John explained: "If we confess our sins, he who is faithful
and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, NRSV).
Jesus is ever ready to help us gain the victory over sin: "And
this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he
who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of
God?" (1 John 5:4-5).
The apostle John, while acknowledging our human weaknesses, encourages
us not to give in to sin.
"I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone
does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;
and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also
for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2, NRSV).
