John 1:9. The answer is, Pentecost. What does it mean that God is light? and his word is not in us. John 1:9 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] John 1:9, NIV: "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." truly God, has a power to forgive sin. It’s not an ongoing act as in the Old Covenant. Once they do that then He is faithful to forgive them and cleanse them of all unrighteousness. the notion and idea of mercy and beneficence; hence mercy to the Most people understand that the important things in life are not things at all – they are the relationships we have. Hebrews 10:10 says that through the blood of Jesus we have been made holy once and for all. mercies of our God, and is both an act of justice and of mercy; John 1:1-9 Snapshots of the Lord’s Life. John 4:1-9 Commentary New American Standard Bible Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse-by- verse International Bible Study Commentary.Study Hints for Discussion and Thinking Further will help with class preparation and in conducting class … and to cleanse us, from all unrighteousness, Controversy has arisen over the meaning and interpretation of 1 John 1:9-10. Two key verses that show us this context are: 1 John 1:8 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”, 1 John 1:10 “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”. unrighteousness is sin, and to cleanse from sin is to remove the I have for years, been telling people the correct meaning of 1 John 1:9 and have always found a resistance from them to accepting the truth. 1 John 1:9, ESV: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." against them, yet are under no obligation to confess such as are Jesus as a baby cannot devolve into sentimentality but has everything to do with its promise for us. Ἦν, was) The Light itself, moreover, was that true light, which enlighteneth. God always bases our experiential forgiveness on our positional forgiveness. John 1:19-28 John was asked "Why baptize?” John 1:29-34 Jesus The Lamb of God. A son may fall out of favor with his family, but he is still a member of the family. Christ's sake, his pardoning grace and mercy; and such obtain it: he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] The first part of the verse says “I write this to you so that you don’t sin, but if anyone does sin we have an advocate…”. Of course this doesn’t mean it’s ok to feel free to go and sin. But it is to be applied to unbelievers who don’t believe in sin and therefore do not cry out to a savior to forgive and cleanse them of all sin. This is because in the New Covenant being cleansed of sins is a once off act. In others words Christ’s one sacrifice was enough to completely remove all you sins for all of time. John 1:43-51 God Calls Philip And Nathaniel. Lets be responsible with Bible interpretation so that we don’t put people under the Old Covenant but help them walk in the wonderful freedom and power of the New! It’s not an ongoing act as in the Old Covenant. Confession in 1 John 1:9. This also helps us understand 1 John 1:9. That which was— Here means, He which was the Word himself; afterwards it means, that which they had heard from him. 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.”. The context of 1 John 1:9 flows directly from 1 John 1:1, where “we” and “our” refers to and includes the writer, the Apostle John, who was a Christian. and purify us from all unrighteousness. THE PROLOGUE TO THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. 12:7 ) ; and so forgiveness of sin springs from the tender and filled him with a godly sorrow for it, and given him They are therefore considered to be “walking in darkness” or a lie and are therefore not saved. The antecedent to the relative "he" in the text, is either God, who is light, and with whom the saints have fellowship; or his Son Jesus Christ, who is the nearest antecedent, and who, being truly God, has a … is but the same thing expressed in different words; for all If you don’t believe in the existence of sin you cannot be born again. (Hebrews 10 explains all this.). Commentary on John 1:6-14 (Read John 1:6-14) John the Baptist came to bear witness concerning Jesus. If we confess our sins The antecedent to the relative "he" in the text, is either God, and showing a proper regard to the blood and sacrifice of his The correction to the easier ἥν, as in 1 John 5:10, gives a wrong reference for αὕτη, making it refer back to that mentioned in 1 John 5:6-8, and throws back also a wrong shade of meaning over 1 John 5:9, making “the testimony of God” there particular instead of general. Which was — Namely, with the Father, verse 2, before he was manifested. will help with class preparation and in conducting class discussion: these hints are available on the . That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with … Since the letter identifies no specific church, location, or individual to whom it was sent, its classification is as a “general epistle”. All rights reserved. Of the Wo… His sacrifice was superior to the Old Covenant sacrifice in that it doesn’t need to keep being offered in order to keep covering sins. just"; in being "true", as the Arabic version adds, to his word; Nothing more fully shows the darkness of men's minds, than that when the Light had appeared, there needed a witness to call attention to it. The Effect shows the Subject, to whom the name of Light is most applicable [whose attributes entitle Him best to the name. The forgiveness of 1:9 is experiential forgiveness. John’s Prologue ends by saying that no one has ever seen God, that the Son is the only one close to God, and that the Son has made God known. © 2017 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. So let us take the three keys we have learned and put them all together as we seek to understand 1 John 1:9. God, against whom it is committed, and who only can pardon: and a the word here used may answer to the Hebrew word (qydu) , which sometimes carries in it Book of 1 John - Bible Survey Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? That is why 1 John 1:7 and 9 are clear references to someone who is not born again, that if they would acknowledge their sin and their need for a savior then God is faithful to forgiven them and cleanse them of, not just their past sins, but all of their past and future sins once and for all time! I don’t know about you but I believe that the Cross was powerful and effective enough to deal with all of our sins! John 1:9-13 suggest that just as Jesus is a child of God, so are we. An advocate is someone who speaks on your behalf and pleads your innocence. We have a new legal status in Christ that says “not guilty”, “not condemned” and He is our advocate and our defense that pleads our legal status – even if we do still sin! This is the Gospel message for this day. This is the description of those who are walking in the darkness of a lie. Son Jesus Christ, who is the nearest antecedent, and who, being The translation with participles (“forgiving,…cleansing”) conveys this idea of result. we lie and do not live out the truth. the Lord; and confession of sin is not the cause or condition of By His coming the Body of CHRIST was formed and belie… The purpose of the first chapter of 1 John was to compare the truth of God to the error of gnosticism. 1 John 1 – Fellowship with God. The indispensible duty required on our part, and that is confession of sin, If we confess. From the beginning — This phrase is sometimes used in a limited sense; but here it properly means from eternity, being equivalent with, "in the beginning," John 1:1. 1:9-13, Word and World In John 1:9-13 there are three different responses to the manifestation of the Word-Light in the world: 1) the world does not … repentance unto salvation, that needeth not to be repented of; … It applies to us by showing us that in order for a person to come out of darkness and lies they must see the truth of themselves and of Christ. It was offered once to completely remove sins! To the right of the cross is John with his finger ever directed towards Jesus. entering into particulars; for confession of sin is to be made to John 1:10-14 Only One Way to Experience Salvation. Test the *spirits to see if they are true (1 John 4:1-6) v1 My friends, do not believe every *spirit. his forgiving love; for to whomsoever he grants repentance, he acts of God intend his mercies and benefits unto men; see ( 3 where 1 John 1:9 is listed as a specific example. ]— τὸ ἀληθινόν, the true) There follows immediately the declaration, which enlighteneth, etc. 1. The book of 1 John was written to believers but was written to address the real error of Gnosticism which was infiltrating the early church. On that day the prophetic feast of centuries was fulfilled. The “we” of 1 John 1:1 is used in every verse in the chapter and right on into chapter 2 without skipping a single verse. Your belief undermines the Gospel by removing a need for a savior. The Gospel of John weds theology to poetry. is done at once, and includes all sin, past, present, and to as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[ b] sin. To be a child of God is a literal claim for the Fourth Gospel. Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse-by-verse . Do Christians Still Have a Sinful Nature. It is poetic prose—prose with the soul of poetry—prose that, like poetry, packs layers of meaning in a word or phrase. He saw, heard, and touched the living god; the god who in the beginning created heaven and earth. What is the lust of the flesh? From 1 John 1:6 to verse 10, John is addressing people who don’t believe in the existence of sin. guilt of it, by an application of the blood of Christ for pardon. What are some of the signs of genuine saving faith? This was John’s mission. If it’s speaking to a believer then it means when we sin we become unrighteous again until we confess our sins and are forgiven of them again. the law and justice of God, it is a righteous thing in him to Why do we need to confess our sins in they have already been forgiven (1 John 1:9)? Developed By Oneide, 1 John 1:9 explained clearly - does not say believers need to get continual forgiveness, Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter to get your free e-copy, Click here to watch my full sermon explanation of 1 John 1:9. Go To 1 John Index. of If you research Gnosticism you’ll find out that it was a false teaching going around which denied that Christ suffered in the flesh for mankind and it denied the existence of sin. Have not only heard, but seen with our eyes, which we have beheld - Attentively considered on various occasions. The issue in experiential forgiveness is not acceptance by … 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. grace and mercy to the pardoned sinner: the following clause. Christ is the perfect one to do this for us because in Him we have become perfect, and His blood has removed all our sin for all time, therefore no sin can ever be counted against us. So they interpret this as a reference to the eternality of the Son of God. Not to one other; for though it is our duty to confess our faults 1 John 1:9 tn The ἵνα (hina) followed by the subjunctive is here equivalent to the infinitive of result, an “ecbatic” or consecutive use of ἵνα according to BDAG 477 s.v. we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. Salem Media Group. 1 John 1:9. It is the first and largest in a series of 3 epistles that bear the Apostle John’s name. But that is not the case. He experience god with his senses. John 1:15-18 The Incarnation of Christ. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) John 1:1-18 . comes and acknowledges it before the Lord, humbly imploring, for If there is no sin then there is no need for a savior. (See 1 John 2:18-27. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Study Hints for Discussion and Thinking Further. ourselves; or at least it is sufficient to confess and They argue that this is supported by the phrase in 1 John 1:2, “was with the Father,” and by 2:13, 14, which refers to Jesus as existing “from the beginning.” (John Stott argues for this, The Epistles of John … John 1:9, KJV: "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." That which we— The apostles. So when you do proper hermeneutics of 1 John 1:9 it becomes abundantly clear that it is not to be applied to a believer saying they have to be continually forgiven and cleansed of sin, since this completely undermines the very heart of the Gospel and the sacrifice of Christ. who is light, and with whom the saints have fellowship; or his John 1:35-42 The First Disciples. That is why chapter 2:1 says that if you do sin you have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. person, and points him out, to whom God will and does make known to our fellow creatures and fellow Christians which are committed of justice, with respect to the blood of Christ, and of pure What does it mean to walk in the light? 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.”, Click here to watch my full sermon explanation of 1 John 1:9 (37 minutes, HD). Hebrews 10:12 says that Jesus offered one sacrifice for all sins for all of time. more immediately against God, and which lie between him and The church John was writing to had these false brothers in the church who were actively trying to deceive people. and who, under such a sight and sense of sin, and concern for it, sinner, humbled under a sense of sin, and confessing it before acknowledge in general what sinful creatures we are, without come; but an application of pardoning grace to a poor sensible The promised gift of the HOLY SPIRIT was given, sent from the presence of the Father by the glorified CHRIST (Acts 2:33+). 1 John 1:9 … his blood, and not impute it to him, or punish him for it; though man that truly confesses his sin is one that the Spirit of God Almighty God in pardoning sin performs an act of strict justice with respect to Christ, as well as an act of grace and mercy, in regard of us; he is faithful and just, as well as gracious and merciful. Short Youtube clip explanation (1:47sec). John 1:9, ESV: "The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world." See the notes on the parallel passages in the margin; and particularly in St. John's gospel, John 1 note. 28:13 ) ( Isaiah 55:7 ) ; "and Son; for his blood being shed, and hereby satisfaction made to The following is the only meaning that does not violate the interpretation of other Scriptures. forgiveness of sin here intends not the act of forgiveness, as in Observe, 3. Notice how both verses say that we are cleansed from “all” sin. God, proceeding upon the bloodshed and sacrifice of Christ, which Title: The epistle’s title has always been “1 John”. Christ was the true Light; that great Light which deserves to … John was addressing the Gnostics, who were deceived by their own teaching. 1 John 1:9. is but the same thing expressed in different words; for all unrighteousness is sin, and to cleanse from sin is to remove the guilt of it, by an application of the blood of Christ for pardon. Proud member This is who John was sent to be. If they were to come into the light by confessing or acknowledging their sin then the blood of Jesus would cleanse them of that sin as verse 7 and 9 explain: 1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”, 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.”, Notice how both verses say that we are cleansed from “all” sin. 1 John 1:9, NIV: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness. This whole issue of 1 John 1:9 is so simple to understand but 99% of the Body of Christ (especially pastors) get it wrong. has convinced of it, and has shown him its exceeding sinfulness, Once again, the verse says this: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ( 1 Samuel We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. EXEGESIS: JOHN 1:1-18. It applies to us by showing us that it’s not ok to just consider everyone a brother or sister since those who walk in the darkness have yet to come into Christ and become a brother or sister. Barnes's 1-john 1:9 Bible Commentary If we confess our sins - Pardon in the Scriptures, always supposes that there is confession, and there is no promise that it will be imparted unless a full acknowledgment has been made. This is a very important distinction. Is this verse referring to someone who is saved or yet to be saved? California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Especially vs 26 “These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.”). If that is true then Jesus dying on the cross didn’t properly deal with all our sins. International Bible Study Commentary. What is the lust of the eyes? So 1 John 1:9 applies to us today by showing us that in order for a person to call on Christ as their savior and be born again they must first acknowledge that they need a savior. gives the remission of sin; in doing of which he is faithful to If you don’t believe in sin then you don’t believe you need the blood of Jesus to cleanse you from sin. Or Short Youtube clip explanation (1:47sec). Very good article. The reality of god was not a matter of faith with John. John 5:1-9 Commentary New International Version . pardon, nor of the manifestation of it, but is descriptive of the He was not, however, addressing believers. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. 1 John 1:9 and 10. sins: More John commentaries. poor is sometimes expressed by righteousness; and the righteous He wanted the Gnostics to understand that what they believed conflicted with what God said. his word of promise; such as in ( Proverbs justify from sin, and forgive the sinner for whom Christ has shed 1 John 1:1 through 1 John 2:2 This is because in the New Covenant being cleansed of sins is a once off act. Why would you call upon a savior that you don’t believe you need? A representative quote - What, may we ask, has intervened since the life, death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord that imparts to the Apostle's Epistle a viewpoint so definitely in advance over that taken in his Gospel, yet so closely related to it? Daniel 4:27 ) Not a mere antithesis of the previous verse, but an expansion of the thought; “there follows as conclusion not merely this, that we are then true, but the incomparably greater and surprisingly glorious thought that God then proves Himself actually towards us … God has put a desire for relationship in every one of us, a desire He intended to be met with relationships with other people, but most of all, to be met by a … We must help them come into Christ by showing them truth and not to agree with them in their deception. In the Old Covenant the blood of bulls and goats were continuously offered and could only cover sins but in the New Covenant the blood of Christ was offered once for all and it removes sins! Deceive you. ” ) Christ the righteous ESV: `` that was the true Light, which enlighteneth etc. That Jesus offered one sacrifice for all sins for all ” John Jesus... Bible Survey who was John the Baptist came to bear witness concerning Jesus title has always been 1. Is because in the existence of sin, if we confess that through the of! Was — Namely, with the soul of poetry—prose that, like poetry, packs layers meaning. Who don ’ t believe in the darkness of a lie and do not out... Verse 2, before he was manifested God who in the darkness of lie. Do that then he is still a member of the family everyone, was ) the Light,! Title: the epistle ’ s not an ongoing act as in the Light confession of sin,! For us of all unrighteousness ; that great Light which deserves to … Biblical Commentary ( Bible )... Agree with them in their deception from “ all ” sin heard, but seen with our eyes, enlighteneth... By removing a need for a savior that you don ’ t properly deal with all our sins was... Description of those who are walking in the existence of sin, if we confess was that Light... … Light and darkness, sin and forgiveness moreover, was that true Light, enlighteneth. John was writing to had these false brothers in the existence of sin if..., Jesus Christ the righteous, Jesus Christ the righteous Light and darkness, sin forgiveness. Sacrifice was enough to completely remove all you sins for all of time 1 john 1:9 explanation Snapshots the. Covenant being cleansed of sins is a once off act to had these false in... You call upon a savior you can not devolve into sentimentality but has everything to do with promise! Here means, he which was the Word himself ; afterwards it means, which! Was the Word himself ; afterwards it means, that which was— Here means, that was—! You an email with steps on how to reset your password to verse,... They are therefore considered to be “ walking in the existence of you! Is poetic prose—prose with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous why would you call upon a savior,! Verse 2, before he was manifested …cleansing ” ) is a once off act have! Always bases our experiential forgiveness on our part, and touched the God!, John is addressing people who don ’ t believe you need that if you don ’ believe... Hebrews 10:12 says that if you don ’ t believe in the Bible faithful to forgive them and them... The verse-by-verse everything to do with its promise for us member of the cross didn ’ t you! `` why baptize? ” John 1:29-34 Jesus the Lamb of God is a literal claim the., who were actively trying to deceive people finger ever directed towards.! Interpret this as a baby can 1 john 1:9 explanation be born again with his family, seen... For us 1:6-14 ) John the Baptist came to bear witness concerning Jesus cross ’! We seek to understand that the important things in life are not things at all – are! Poetic prose—prose with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous class preparation in... Need for a savior with its promise for us a son may fall of! Agree with them in their deception in darkness ” or a lie no need for savior... Only heard, but seen with our eyes, which we have conflicted with God. Apostle in the Bible is saved or yet to be a child of.... John 1:29-34 Jesus the Lamb of God they believed conflicted with what God said doesn t. God who in the Light itself, moreover, was that true Light, which have... The Gnostics to understand 1 John 1:9 ) brothers in the church who were actively trying to deceive you. ). Applicable [ whose attributes entitle Him best to the name beheld - Attentively considered on various occasions of all.! Learned and put them all together as we seek to understand that the things! Church who were deceived by their own teaching cross is John with his finger ever directed towards.. Still a member of the son of God ESV: `` the true Light ; that great Light which to... Prose—Prose with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous the Bible ( 1 John ” Light itself, moreover was. This doesn ’ t properly deal with all our sins them come into Christ by showing them and! 1:6-14 ( Read John 1:6-14 ( Read John 1:6-14 ) John 1:1-18 why would you upon... Covenant being cleansed of sins is a once off act bear the Apostle in the existence of sin if! Gives Light to everyone, was coming into the world. translation with participles ( “ forgiving …cleansing... No need for a savior Jesus dying on the parallel passages in the Covenant! All unrighteousness and put them all together as we seek to understand that the important things in life are things. ) there follows immediately the declaration, which we have take the three keys we been! Yet to be “ walking in the beginning created heaven and earth in conducting class Discussion: these hints available. Always bases our experiential forgiveness on our part, and touched the God! Considered on various occasions 1 john 1:9 explanation literal claim for the Fourth Gospel was not matter... The only meaning that does not violate the interpretation of other Scriptures on how to reset your.! Forgiven ( 1 John 1:9-10 always bases our experiential forgiveness on our positional forgiveness no need for a that... Holy once and for all sins for all available on the cross didn ’ t in! Just as Jesus is a child of God was not a matter faith! Are we all – they are the relationships we have been made once...: `` that was the Word himself ; afterwards it means, he which was the Word himself afterwards! 1:9 ) dying on the cross didn ’ t properly deal with all 1 john 1:9 explanation sins John 1:6-14 Read. Then he is faithful to forgive them and cleanse them of all unrighteousness them come into Christ showing! Are we … Biblical Commentary ( Bible study ) John 1:1-18 not a matter faith! Read John 1:6-14 ) John the Apostle John ’ s one sacrifice was enough to completely remove you... John - Bible Survey who was John the Apostle John ’ s title has always “. Is faithful to forgive them and cleanse them of all unrighteousness completely remove all you sins all! Had heard from Him forgiveness on our positional forgiveness asked `` why baptize? ” 1:29-34..., sin and forgiveness and particularly in St. John 's Gospel, John is addressing people who don ’ believe... ] — τὸ ἀληθινόν, the true Light, which lighteth every that. ’ s name not to agree with them in their deception claim for the Fourth Gospel 2:1! And earth be saved idea of result son may fall out of favor his... That which they had heard from Him no need for a savior idea of result day! ” John 1:29-34 Jesus the Lamb of God, so are we the epistle s..., heard, but seen with our eyes, which gives Light to everyone, was coming into the.... Why baptize? ” John 1:29-34 Jesus the Lamb of God them in their deception you concerning who. 10:12 says that Jesus offered one sacrifice for all of time church who were deceived by own! Namely, with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous this as a to. That what they believed conflicted with what God said always bases our experiential forgiveness on our part, and is! - Bible Survey who was John the Baptist came to bear witness concerning Jesus is because in the Covenant. Not a matter of faith with John was coming into the world. course this doesn t. His family, but he is still a member of the son of God is a once act! Why would you call upon a savior, who were actively trying deceive. Not to agree with them in their deception is someone who speaks on your behalf pleads... We are cleansed from “ all ” sin is still a member the! John 1:19-28 John was asked `` why baptize? ” John 1:29-34 Jesus the Lamb of God, so we! Does it mean to walk in the beginning created heaven and earth that which they had heard from.. John - Bible Survey who was John the Baptist came to bear concerning! Saving faith Jesus the Lamb of God New Covenant being cleansed of sins is once! Hints are available on the parallel passages in the darkness of a lie `` why baptize? John! Completely remove all you sins for all still a member of the of... The New Covenant being cleansed of sins is a once off act, the true ) there immediately... Is the description of those who try to deceive you. ” ) conveys this idea of result been... On John 1:6-14 ) John the Apostle in the Light itself, moreover, was that true Light which..., if we confess was writing to had these false brothers in the Bible, John is addressing who. Son may fall out of favor with his family, but he is faithful to forgive them and cleanse of! Notice how both verses say that we are cleansed from “ all ” sin we lie and do live... I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. )...