- 1 John 1:8 – If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
- 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.
- 1 John 1:10 – If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
- 1 John 2:1 – My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
- 1 John 2:2 – And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
- Isaiah 59:2 – But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
As we saw yesterday, John uses the images of darkness and light to describe life in sin versus life in Christ (1 John 1:5–7). God is pure and perfect Light, and this Light shines in the life of the person who obeys Him. However, when we bring the darkness of sin into our lives, a contradiction arises within us. The way to keep our hearts pure in this world is to confess our sin (verse 9). Because of the work Jesus did on the cross, we are cleansed, and nothing can change the saved believer's position as a holy child of God. But sin hinders our fellowship with the Lord (Isa. 59:2). What restores fellowship is confession of sin. This simply means agreeing with God that our actions, thoughts, or words are contrary to His will. Sometimes we want to pray in a general way: "Lord, if I have sinned against You, forgive me." But a more effective way to remove the darkness in our lives is to confess our sins specifically. The Holy Spirit does not convict us in general terms—He points out the specific problem. When a believer admits their sin and takes responsibility for it, they restore proper fellowship with the Lord. John’s letter confirms that God wants to remove darkness from our lives and keep us fully in the light of His love.
Reflection
What specific sin in your life do you need to confess to God today, rather than trying to avoid it by praying only in general terms?
