Let those who feel inclined to make a high profession of holiness look into the mirror of God's law. As they see its far-reaching claims, and understand its work as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, they will not boast of sinlessness. "If we," says John, not separating himself from his brethren, "say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." "If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8, 10, 9.

Lad blot dem, der føler sig tilbøjelige til at hævde deres egen fromhed, se ind i Guds lovs spejl. Når de ser dens vidtrækkende krav og forstår, hvordan den gransker hjertets tanker og hensigter, vil de ikke mere prale af syndfrihed. "Hvis vi siger, at vi ikke har synd," siger Johannes, som ikke skiller sig ud fra brødrene, "så bedrager vi os selv og sandheden er ikke i os." 1Joh. 1,8. "Hvis vi siger, at vi ikke har syndet, så gør vi ham til en løgner og hans ord er ikke i os." Hvis vi bekender vore synder, er han trofast og retfærdig, så han tilgiver os vore synder og renser os fra al uretfærdighed." 1Joh. 1,9-10.