Children of God Cannot Sin

This week, in 1 John 2:28-3:10, John draws a clear distinction between those who are born of God and those who are not. "Everyone who practices righteousness is born of God.., and whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother." John is not placing conditions upon the children of God here. Instead, he is simply stating how it is for those who have been born of God- sin is out of place in the life of one who is born of God. Children of God take on, and grow in, our Father's character and ways. In him there is no sin, and so it will be in those who are born of God.
As those who continue to struggle with sin in this life, these bold truths can sometimes leave us feeling less confident in our salvation rather than more so. However, the fact that we struggle with our sin is evidence itself that it is not a welcome part of our lives. It does not belong. Sin does matter. It matters much! However, our assurance should never depend upon our own performance, but upon the lavish love of the Father that he has given to us, that we should be called children of God- and that is what we are!