I wrote a reply on this passage earlier. The conclusion was that this passage is a description of the salvation process; re: conviction of sin, and the coming to God for forgiveness and cleansing. The next verse deals with what happens when believers sin. The problem I have with using 1John 1:9 as an ongoing practice in the life of a believer is that the verse would then imply that forgiveness is removed because of sin, then reinstated upon confession. And furthermore that the cleansing from all unrighteousness is temporary.evangelist-7 said:Yes, it obviously means ...
[SIZE=10pt]1 John 1:
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.[/SIZE]
Do we confess our sin to God? Why not? In an ongoing relationship there will be communication. But we are told we ought to come boldly to the throne of grace to find grace to help in time of need. How does one come boldly if he is taught that God is holding unforgiveness? What we really need from Him is help in our weakness. Do need to get right with Him (over and over and over and over....) before getting this help? If not, then why use a verse that implies otherwise? I think it was meant to explain a principle, not to instruct believers into a practice. In that day there was a gnostic teaching in their midst that denied the existence of sin. John was addressing this, so I have been told. Without the acknowledgment of sin, one will not see the need for forgiveness and salvation. Hence, 1John 1:8,9. Note that John did not address anyone in particular until chapter 2.