1 John 1:8-10

The Christian and Sin

Some evidently claimed to be above sin. They may have said, "We are spiritual and cannot sin." Today, some teach the doctrine of salvation by faith only, which likewise implies one's conduct does not matter. They effectively say faith sets them above sin. One who believes he does no sin is self deceived, according to John, and without truth in him (1 John 1:8; compare John 8:44).

However, those who willingly confess their sins can find forgiveness. Thayer says the word "confess" means, "to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent...to admit or declare oneself guilty of what one is accused of." It is as if God listed the various wrongs one has committed and he admits his guilt. The confession here is to God just as the forgiveness is from God. Again, the word "confess" is in the present tense which would suggest the necessity of continuing to confess individual sins to keep on being cleansed. God has promised to forgive confessed sins and will be faithful in keeping that promise (Psalms 143:1). He is justified, or righteous, in forgiving sins because Jesus' blood paid the price. When God forgives, all guilt is removed.

Verses 6, 8 and 10 of 1 John 1:1-10 begin with "if we say." The apostle appears to have been identifying himself with those who held to false doctrine to soften the blow of saying they were in error. In verse 8, it appears sin is considered abstractly, while in verse 10 John is speaking of specific sin as brought up in verse 9. When one says he is guilty of no specific sin, he makes God a liar. In Jesus' death on the cross, God acknowledged man's sin and sought to give him a means of pardon. God's word is the whole of the gospel (John 5:36-38; John 8:37; John 12:44-50).