1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins The opposite hypothesis is now taken and expanded, as in 1 John 1:7; see note there. But there is no conjunction, no -but", as in 1 John 1:7; and the asyndeton is telling. Greek has such a wealth of connecting particles, that in that language asyndeton is specially remarkable. Here there is expansion and progress, not only in the second half of the verse where - Heis faithful and righteous" takes the place of - weare true"; but in the first half also; where -confess our sins" takes the place of -say we have sin". The latter admission costs us little: the confession of the particular sins which we have committed costs a good deal, and is a guarantee of sincerity. He who refuses to confess, may perhaps desire, but certainly does not seekforgiveness. -He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). Obviously confession to Him who is -faithful and righteous", and to those -selves" whom we should otherwise -lead astray", is all that is meant. The passage has nothing to do with the question of confession to our fellow-men.

faithful and just Better, faithful and righteous, to bring out the contrast with -unrighteousness" and the connexion with -Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1), where the same word (δίκαιος) is used. The Greek -and" (καί) sometimes means -and yet", and frequently does so in S. John: see on John 1:10. It is possible that it has this meaning here. -God is faithful (to His promises to us) and yetrighteous (in hating and punishing sin)". He keeps His promise of mercy to the penitent without losing His character for righteousness and justice. In any case beware of making -righteous" a vague equivalent for -kind, gentle, merciful". It means -just" (which is to some extent the opposite of -merciful"), and affirms that God in keeping His word gives to each his due. The distinction which refers -faithful" to mortal sins and -righteous" to venial ones is frivolous. For -faithful" in the sense of keeping promises comp. -He is faithful that promised" (Hebrews 10:23); -She counted Him faithful who had promised" (Hebrews 11:11): and for -righteous" in the sense of giving just awards comp. -Righteous art Thou … because Thou didst thus judge … True and righteous are Thy judgments" (Revelation 16:5-7).

to forgive us our sins In spite of what some eminent scholars have said to the contrary, it is perhaps true that the Greek for these words includes to some extent the idea of intentionand aim. Thus the Vulgate, fidelis est et justus, ut remittat nobis peccata nostra; and Wiclif, -He is feithful and just thatHe forgeve to us oure synnes"; and the Rhemish, -He is faithful and just, for toforgive us our sinnes". In S. John we find the conviction deeply rooted that all things happen in accordance with the decrees of God: events are the results of His purposes. And this conviction influences his language: so that constructions (ἵνα) which originally indicated a purpose, and which even in late Greek do not lose this meaning entirely, are specially frequent in his writings: see on John 5:36. It is God's decree and aim that His faithfulness and righteousness should appear in His forgiving us and cleansing us. Comp. -Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned … that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest" (Psalms 51:4).

our sins Those particular acts of sin which we have confessed, and from the punishment due for which we are thus set free. -I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin" (Psalms 32:5). -He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).

and to cleanse us This is not a repetition in different words; it is a second and distinct result of our confession: 1. We are absolved from sin's punishment; 2. We are freed from sin's pollution. The forgiveness is the averting of God's wrath; the cleansing is the beginning of holiness.