There is a sweet promise contained in John’s epistle regarding sin. Writing under the injunction of the Spirit, John specifically says the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins. Our sins can never overwhelm the Blood! For the carnally minded, this might be taken as a license for sin. Such people will have a rethink when they consider the aftermath of sin. Although sins are forgiven once they are confessed, they leave scars behind. Imagine for example that a believer sins a hundred times and turns round that same number of times to confess. Though his sins are forgiven he is sure to have a hundred scars left behind. Too many scars spoil beauty. In the physical, people hardly expose their scars to others. That same is true in spiritual parlance. If you see a supposed believer reveling in sinful escapades of the past, you need to question the root of that salvation.

“those scars were his badge of honour, one that could be worn proudly…You should not be ashamed for the price you pay for the gospel; it is your badge of honour and will serve the basis for your reward in heaven.”

There is a different type scars, the type our text is focused on. Apostle Paul spoke of having in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus. What exactly does that mean? Some might think he was referring to the hand or calling of the Lord upon him. This will be an imposed meaning or at best a secondary application. The marks refers to the sufferings he endured for the sake of the Lord and in the course of fulfilling his life’s calling. For Paul, those scars were his badge of honour, one that could be worn proudly. So, the first type of scars breeds shame, and the latter type, glory. You should not be ashamed for the price you pay for the gospel; it is your badge of honour and will serve the basis for your reward in heaven.