1 John 1:8-10 English Standard Version
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. That is the reality for all those born on this earth from the line of Adam. Adam fell in the Garden of Eden and all His descendants are impacted by His sin. All of us have a sin nature. John makes this clear when he writes if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to walk and live by the truth. If our lives are not built on truth, we have chosen to build our lives on lie and deception. In the end it simply leads to destruction.
The word deceive here is the Greek word planaō and it means to go astray, to be led astray. Refers to straying from what is right either physically, ethically, or spiritually.[1] To be led astray means we have wandered from the appointed path. Jesus is the way. To be led astray is to be led away from Christ and to walk in darkness.
But God gives us a great and mighty promise in verse nine. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The word confess is the Greek word homologeō and it means confess; acknowledge. To profess publicly — to profess in a manner accessible to or observable by the public.[2] For us to receive forgiveness from God the Father we need to acknowledge our sin. We need to admit that we are a sinner and that we need His forgiveness. If we have come to the place of confession, then it means we have humbled ourselves before God and surrendered. Those who are unwilling to confess are those who rebel against Almighty God. They believe in themselves they are good and therefore not in need of a savior. Many today don’t even believe they have sin in their lives. But when we begin to seek for truth, we will end up at Jesus Christ. When we come to Jesus Christ and desire a relationship with Him, we will come to understand indeed we are sinners, and He is the only answer.
The word forgive is the Greek word aphiēmi and it means to leave, abandon. Refers to leaving or abandoning a place, a person, or a thing, including a belief.[3] When we are forgiven by God it means our sins are removed, they no longer remain. They have been washed away and have been atoned for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. It is His blood that cleanses us from all unrighteousness. It is our unrighteousness that separates us from God, but it is the atoning work of Jesus Christ that reconciles us to God. It is through Christ alone that we find forgiveness and brand-new life. It is through Jesus Christ alone that we enter heaven. He truly is the door. The road to life is narrow and few will walk on it, but the road to destruction is broad and many will walk on it.
John again returns the issue of us being sinners. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Often the greatest reason a person will not come to Jesus Christ is pride. To come to Christ and receive forgiveness we must confess our sin and our need for a savior. John again makes the points that if we claim we have not sinned, we make God a liar. One thing is certain is that God does not lie. There is no wickedness or darkness found in God. Satan is the father of lies. But Almighty God is the one where truth and life is found. He has honestly told us that we are sinners. We need a Savior. He has graciously provided the way of our salvation, and it is a gift. It is not based on works because if it was, man would have something to boast about and none could be saved. But because it is solely based on the finished work of Jesus Christ, it is a gift to be received or rejected. May we receive this precious gift of salvation that is only found in Jesus Christ alone. May His word and His truth be found within us.
Prayer
Father thank you for making a way for us to be saved. Thank you that we are saved by your grace. Thank you for loving me and thank you that your love is unconditional. Thank you that your love is eternal and it is unchanging. Help me each day to live for you. Help me to be the son or daughter you have called me to be. Holy Spirit fill my life today and lead and guide me in all things. Jesus be glorified in all I do. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
Reflection Question: Is there anything today you need to confess to God? Is there any sin in your life that is hindering the work of God or grieving the heart of God? Know today that forgiveness takes place at confession. I encourage you to confess all to the Lord and ask Him to simply help you to live for Him.
[1] Michael R. Jones, “Apostasy,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
[2] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
[3] Michael R. Jones, “Apostasy,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
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