A Note from Michael Gossett
The Real Problem in Life
On the entrance gate of the Auschwitz concentration camp, the infamous words were displayed: Arbeit Macht Frei, which means “Work Makes Free.” It was a cruel deception. As thousands of Jewish men, women, and children were herded into the camp, they were led to believe that if they worked hard enough, they could secure their freedom. But no amount of labor could save them. The camp was designed for death, and the promise of freedom through work was a monstrous lie.
As chilling as this is, this is the reality of the real problem we all face. There is no escape from our problem with the efforts of work. There is a disillusionment that takes place in many people causing them to subscribe to the sentiment that work will lead to freedom. However, work will never liberate you or me from the real problem we face. Many today believe that they can work their way into righteousness somehow. Moral improvements, self-awareness, religious performance, and cultural virtue signaling will all lead to the same place of brokenness. Others may embrace a different type of deception. It is the deception that sin is not something to be overcome at all but merely a social construct that only needs to be ignored. In our present time, many view sin as an antiquated structure or just an indulgence.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John gives us an entirely different framework to think about the real problem that we face in life. In 1 John 3:2-9, John strips away these illusions that so easily entangle our thought life. The real problem we face is sin, and the solution is not found in human effort, social reform, or morality. The only solution to the real problem of sin is found in Christ alone.
The Work of Christ is our Remedy
1 John 3:2 says, “Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is.” This verse gives a peek into the reality that the reader and hearer faces. There is a tension that every believer must walk in. It is the tension of the “already-but-not-yet” understanding of our walk with Christ.
The tension is simplified in this way. Everyone who has been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is fully justified in Christ, yet we are not yet glorified in Christ. John Owen wrote extensively on this tension and explained that the reality is that the Christian life is a process of being conformed into the likeness of Jesus while waiting for the final, full realization of that transformation.
However, John removes the ability for us to be passive in our waiting for complete conformity. 1 John 3:3 says, “And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure.” This single verse removes any notion that Christians are free to live in sin without any concern for holiness. It also removes any notion that righteousness can be attained by human effort. The former is known as antinomianism, and the latter is known as legalism. The pursuit of purity is not an attempt to earn salvation but rather the inevitable response of any heart that has been transformed by the truth of Jesus Christ.
Herein lies the importance of the work of Christ in salvation.
The Work of Christ is our hope for the Removal of Sin.
1 John 3:5 says, “You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him.” This is a direct affirmation of the substitutionary atonement—the bedrock of biblical soteriology. Christ did not come merely to teach moral principles or to offer religious guidance. He came to bear the full weight of human sin and remove it entirely. The early church fathers recognized this truth, with Athanasius declaring: “He became what we are so that we might become what He is.” Thomas Watson emphasized that sin is not merely an abstract concept but a direct assault on God’s holiness. Watson wrote: “Sin is the soul’s sickness; Christ is the only physician. Sin is the captive’s chain; Christ alone can break it.”
Throughout church history, deviations from this doctrine have led to serious theological errors. Pelagianism, for example, argued that human beings are capable of attaining righteousness apart from divine grace. This was rightly condemned as heresy at the Council of Carthage (418 A.D.) and later reaffirmed by the Reformers. The Second London Baptist Confession (1689) makes it clear: “Man, by his fall into sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation.”
Thus, Christ had to remove sin completely—not simply influence us toward righteousness but accomplish our redemption fully.
The Work of Christ Destroys the Works of the Devil
1 John 3:8 says, “The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the devil’s works.” This verse presents a direct confrontation with the spiritual warfare reality often ignored by man today. John does not tell us that Christ merely rescues individuals from sin; he portrays Him as a divine warrior who came to rescue sinners and crush the kingdom of darkness. This is what was guaranteed by the Lord from the beginning.
In Genesis 3:15, we see the Protoevangelium, or “first gospel,” where God promises that the offspring of the woman will crush the head of the serpent. The Reformers and Puritans took this verse seriously. Richard Sibbes, in The Bruised Reed, wrote: “Satan would have us despair in sin, but Christ’s work is to throw him down. There is no wound so deep that Christ cannot heal.”
Historically, there have been distortions of this truth. Gnostic heresies in the early church taught that Christ’s victory was merely symbolic, while modern liberal theology often downplays the reality of spiritual warfare altogether. But John’s message is clear: The victory over sin and Satan was secured at the cross and will be fully realized at Christ’s return.
In the waiting for the return of Christ, John warns to not let anyone or anything deceive you (1 John 3:7). You and I are called to live with prudence and with wisdom and with great discernment. There will be crafty teachings, crafty “doctrines” that insist on moving away from the truth of Jesus. It may not seem like much in the beginning, but little by little, Satan would love for the church to drift and would love for you to drift. The problem with drifting is that it is subtle and without warning. This is why we are called to remain anchored in Christ, being sober-minded, and pursue holiness in Christ. Those who remain in Christ, are those who will reach the end with Christ.
1 John 3:9 says, “Everyone who has been born of God does not sin, because his seed remains in him; he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God.” I have to admit that at first glance, this verse seems troubling. Does this mean that we should never sin at all? Absolutely not. Perfectionism is not possible. Sinlessness is not possible or Christ would have died in vain. John Owen said, “A true Christian may fall into sin, but he will never settle there.” The point that the Apostle John is making is just that. Your desires will be different. You are being conformed into the image of Christ with a new heart, new mind, and new desires. You will continue in the faith because Christ has purchased you with His own blood, but you can be sure you are in Christ by pursuing a life of holiness in Him.
The Second London Baptist Confession (1689) affirms this in its chapter on sanctification: “They who are united to Christ… have a new heart and a new spirit created in them, and the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed.”
John’s warning is clear: A person who persistently lives in sin without repentance has not been truly born again.
A Prayer for Today:
Lord, I come to you today with complete humility and dependence on you. I recognize that I have no power to save myself and I am completely at the mercy of your hands. Lord, thank you that you came to rescue me from my sin and now I ask that you give me the faith to trust you. Help me to live in the grace that you freely give. You alone are my righteousness, my freedom and my victory and in you alone do I have refuge. Purify me now, and help me to live for you today.
ETX GUYS’ NIGHT 2025!
Men, SAVE THE DATE for May 2, 2025, because this is an evening you don’t want to miss! Join us from 6:00–9:00 PM for Guys’ Night, a powerful gathering of men from all walks of life, featuring two dynamic speakers—Tim Tebow and Robby Gallaty.
This is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity for fathers and sons, friends and brothers, mentors, athletes, and every man of all ages to gather, encourage, and be challenged through this evening of spiritual renewal!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
🔥 Inspirational Messages – Tim Tebow, former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback, will challenge and encourage you in your faith, leadership, and purpose. Pastor Robby Gallaty, a disciple-making leader and Pastor of Long Hollow, will equip you to grow deeper in your walk with Christ.
🍖 Barbecue Dinner – Because no guys’ night is complete without great food! Enjoy a hearty barbecue meal and the fellowship of other men striving to follow Jesus.
💪 A Call to Boldness – This is your chance to be strengthened in your faith, encouraged in your journey, and reminded that you are not alone in the battle.
Whether you’re 12 or 92, this night is for you. Bring your friends, bring your sons, bring your small group—just don’t miss it!
Register HERE or by clicking the image above.
Join us this Sunday as we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke with a powerful message titled “Pursuing Maturity” from Luke 2:41-52.
Maturity in Christ is not simply about growing older—it’s about growing deeper in our faith, stronger in our convictions, and clearer in our purpose. In this passage, we see a young Jesus at the temple, demonstrating what true spiritual maturity looks like.
This Sunday at 9:30 am or 11:00 am at our Tyler Campus, Español Campus (Crosswalk of Tyler Campus at 11:00 am only) or Flint Campus
Invite someone to join you and let’s worship together!
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett