8 If we say that 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 that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10 KJV)
Confessing Sins for Forgiveness
Here, the apostle, having stated that even those who belong to this heavenly fellowship still have sin, now justifies that statement by showing the serious consequences of denying it in two ways.
First, “If we say, ‘We have no sin,’ we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). We must be careful not to deceive ourselves by denying or excusing our sins. The more clearly we see our sins, the more we will value the remedy. Denying our sin means that the truth is not in us—either the truth that exposes our sin or the truth of the Christian faith itself. Christianity is for sinners—those who have sinned and in whom sin still remains. The Christian life is one of continual repentance, humility, putting sin to death, ongoing faith in the Redeemer, thankfulness for His mercy, love for Him, and joyful hope in the final redemption when believers will be fully acquitted and sin abolished forever.
Second, “If we say, ‘We have not sinned,’ we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:10). Denying our sin not only deceives us, it dishonors God by challenging His truthfulness. He has clearly testified about the sin of the world. “The Lord said in His heart… I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21). God’s continued testimony to the sinfulness of the world includes the provision of a sufficient and effective sacrifice for sin, needed in all generations. He also acknowledges the continued sinfulness of believers by calling them to confess their sins and apply by faith the blood of that sacrifice. Therefore, to say we have not sinned or do not still sin is to show that God’s word is neither in our minds as knowledge nor in our hearts as a guiding influence.
The apostle then instructs the believer on the way to receive ongoing forgiveness of sin. “If we confess our sins” (1 John 1:9), this is the believer’s duty and the means by which guilt is removed.
And here is the encouragement and assurance of the result: “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God is faithful to His covenant and to His word, where He promises forgiveness to those who believe and confess. He is just to Himself and His glory, having provided a sacrifice that displays His righteousness in justifying sinners. He is just to His Son, whom He sent for this very purpose and to whom He has promised that all who come through Him will be forgiven. “By His knowledge My righteous servant will justify many” (Isaiah 53:11). God is also gracious and compassionate. He will forgive every sin of the humble confessor, cleanse them from guilt, and in time, deliver them from the power and practice of sin.