Conscious and Unconscious Sin
We can stand boldly in the presence of God with the power of the blood of Christ, even with unconscious sin in our personality.
Zac Poonen discusses the distinction between conscious and unconscious sin, emphasizing that while we may have unconscious sin within us, it does not lead to guilt as long as we are unaware of it. He explains that God's grace covers our unconscious sins, and that true awareness of our imperfections is essential for spiritual growth. Poonen encourages believers to walk in the light, acknowledging that while we will always have some degree of unconscious sin, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, allowing us to stand confidently before God.
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There is also a difference between falling into sin and having sin. To have sin is to have unconscious sin in our personality - sin that we ourselves are unaware of, even though others who are more mature than us may be able to notice it in us. But such unconscious sin need never make us feel guilty. For God's Word says, "sin is not imputed when there is no law" (Rom. 5:13). (This also means that God does not impute sin to us when there is no awareness of sin in our conscious mind).
We shall have unconscious sin in us, until our dying day - to a lesser and lesser degree, however, if we walk in the light. The Bible says, "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves," (1 Jn. 1:8). One who says that he has no sin is actually claiming that he has already become perfect like Christ. But God's Word says that we shall "be like Him", only when He returns - not before that (1 Jn. 3:2). Those who claim to be totally sanctified and perfect already are therefore only deceiving themselves.
Unconscious sin however needs to be cleansed; and "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all (unconscious) sin" too, as long as we walk in the light of God (1 Jn. 1:7). So we can stand boldly now, in the presence of an infinitely Holy God, without any fear.
Such is the power of the blood of Christ to justify us. Hallelujah!
Sermon Outline
- The Difference Between Falling into Sin and Having Sin
- The Nature of Unconscious Sin
- The Need to Walk in the Light
- The Power of the Blood of Christ
- Walking in the light reduces unconscious sin
- The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin
- The blood of Christ justifies us
- We can stand boldly in the presence of God
Key Quotes
“sin is not imputed when there is no law” — Zac Poonen
“the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all (unconscious) sin” — Zac Poonen
“we can stand boldly now, in the presence of an infinitely Holy God, without any fear” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- We need to walk in the light of God to reduce unconscious sin in our lives.
- The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin, including unconscious sin.
- We can stand boldly in the presence of God with the power of the blood of Christ.