Bible Basics

Confessing Sins

John writes, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The confession John contemplates is a humble acknowledgement of wrong before God. Certainly repentance is implied, for   confession without turning from the wrong will not cleanse that sin (see Luke 13:3). The word translated “confess” in this passage is in the present active subjunctive, and means literally, “If we keep on confessing our sins . . .” Each time a sin is committed it must be confessed and repented of before God will cleanse us of that transgression. Contrary to what some believe, it is through Christ and Him alone that we are able to approach the throne of God’s grace for pardon. Jesus is our High Priest, our Mediator and our Advocate with the Father. It is not necessary to make any additional confession to a priest to find absolution from sins (Heb. 7:25; 10:19, 20; 1 John 2:1; 1 Tim. 2:5). In fact, every Christian is a priest of God (1 Peter 2:5, 9) and able to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). Since God is “faithful and just” and has promised to forgive His children on condition that they confess their sins, He will not fail in the performance of His promise.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics