1 John 1:10

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

(v10, NIV)

Verse 8 was talking about nature. Here in verse 10, John begins by saying "If we claim we have not sinned...", but in verse 8 John says "If we claim to be without sin". Verse 8 is referring to the nature of human beings. We know that human beings are sinful, but some don't think so. If we say we are without sin, we are simply deceiving ourselves. We may think we're speaking the truth, but it is not in us.

So, what is John talking about in verse 10? This claim he is referring to is a claim to be without sin in conduct. Regardless of whether human beings are sinful by nature or not, the person making this claim thinks he or she is without sin. People who say that may down-play their own sin. They'll look around and see how "bad" people are around them, not even looking at their own sin. They look at their own sin in comparison to the sin of others and they think they themselves are "good" people. I realize the example I gave for verse 8 applies more for verse 10. Maybe verse 8 would be more like people who think everyone should go to heaven. They think most people for the most part are "good". Since most people are "good", we all deserve to go to heaven. However, that is wrong. Our nature is sin. With regards to this verse where there are those who claim to be without sin in their conduct, they think their conduct is perfect. They think they walk in such a way that is fine enough to merit their own salvation. They may agree that others are sinful. However, looking at their own sins, they think they should go to heaven.

There is no amount of work that we can do to merit our salvation. You can work all you want; you've still sinned and deserve death. There is only one way, and that is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Our clothes are as filthy rags. The only way we can be white as snow is for our sins to be washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. If we would receive him by faith, we can receive his righteousness and be called adopted sons and daughters of God. Therefore, repent and turn from your sins and truly follow the Lord Jesus Christ.