The Need For Cleansing

“If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8 (NASB)
Regardless of how consecrated we may be, regardless of how completely separated from the world, no matter how far advanced in holiness we may become, never in this tabernacle of flesh will we pass beyond the need for cleansing. Paul warned of this in 1 Corinthians 10:12: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”
Through the disobedience of Adam all men are sinners. Even if it were possible for a person to live above sin from the time he reaches the age of accountability until he dies, if his character were absolutely unmarked by sin, he still could not say, “I have no sin.”
Sin has roots; sin also bears fruit. The flesh, the old nature, the root that produces fruit, is always there. As long as we live we will be plagued with our own flesh; but thank God, the Holy Spirit is victor over the flesh, and He is the Divine Agent who gives us victory.
In the first Adam, all die; but in the last Adam (Jesus) all who believe are saved from sin and the curse of the fall. It is Jesus the Righteous One who presents us faultless to the Father; it is not we ourselves. He is the propitiation for our sins, He is our Redeemer, Sanctifier, Leader, Protector, Savior–and He has promised to never leave us not forsake us. He has declared that if we confess Him before men He will confess us before the heavenly Father.