1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John gives more conditional statements that provide an escape from the bondage of sin. The key idea to this whole passage is found behind the phrase, “if we confess.” Why is confession so important? Confession is the action of realizing our weakness and rebellion in light of the holiness of God. It is joining with Isaiah who said, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isa 6:5). When we see the King, we see ourselves for who we are. John is specific about what we need to confess: sin. Sin is our biggest battle. When we come to realize this, half the battle is won. The other half of the battle is actually acting on this awareness. What will we do once we know about sin? There are several responses: ignore it, continue in it, or confess it and reject it. The first two options are basically the same, as John will say in 3:6. To see Jesus and continue in sin is the worst choice one can make.
There are two results when we confess our sins. When we confess our sins, God is ready to forgive us. God will not forgive those who do not want to be forgiven. We express our desire and need for forgiveness through confession. Forgiveness has to do with our past sins. When we confess our sins, God also cleanses us from sin. Cleansing deals with the problem of present sin and provide hope for the future. Cleansing is wiping away the lingering stain from sin and makes a person clean. John does not say how God does that in this verse, but other passages in the Bible show that this is the work of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:5).
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