1 John 3:5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
The two parts of this verse are linked together theologically. Because Jesus had no sin, he was able to resolve the problem of sin. Jesus, “the Savior” (Matthew 1:21) came to earth as a human for a purpose. We have to understand the divine logic found in the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis 2. Love is a choice shown through obedience. Disobedience, however, cuts us off from love which results in death. This is the story of Adam and Eve and the story of each of us. God set us a sacrificial system in the Old Testament to teach Israel the meaning of love and forgiveness and the seriousness of sin. The life of a spotless lamb replaced the death resulting from disobedience. This sacrifice was only a symbol of the grace of God. Israel had a hard time seeing the mercy through the sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). The Book of Hebrews shows that Jesus was the sinless sacrifice to bring a new covenant that changes the hearts of people.
Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice to resolve the problem of sin and restore the power of love within human hearts. This verse is significant in the letter and the entire Bible because it shows in a simple statement the problem of sin and its solution. Without his atoning sacrifice, there is no hope for forgiveness and cleansing (see 1 John 1:5-2:1). Without his presence through the Holy Spirit, there is no continued and growing victory over the power of sin. How does one receive this victory? It comes through faith and obedience that results from faith. John puts this as walking in the light. The light of Christ will penetrate the darkness, transform our hearts, and light the path for us to follow.
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