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
“If”—it’s a tiny word with a big meaning. Generally conjunctive, it will often follow with “then,” either stated or implied. Webster’s Bible Dictionary defines it as “used as the sign of a condition, or it introduces a conditional sentence.” Scripture makes use of the word “if” 1,637 times, 602 in the New Testament alone. Consider these uses: “If we confess our sins, [then] he is faithful and just to forgive…” (today’s verse). “If we walk in the light as he is in the light…” (1 John 1:7); “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing…” (Galatians 6:3); “If God is for us…” (James 8:31). You can probably add the conclusive “then” to each of them.
Alexander Maclaren, a Scottish minister and commentary writer of the 19th century, wrote of the differences between professing and confessing Christians, suggesting it is the confessing Christian who fully understands the grace given by the Father. Even with sins fully forgiven by Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, because life is lived in a fallen world, Christians do sin. Confessing, according to theologian John Piper, is “an agreement with God that this was an ungodly and unworthy thing for me to do, and I’m ashamed of it. I’m sorry for it. I turn from it. I embrace the finished, complete, perfect, once-for-all work of Christ afresh. I rest in it. I enjoy the fellowship that he secured.”
On March 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln called on the nation to “devoutly recognize the supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and of nations,” and in “dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow,” expecting divine pardon and acknowledging that “those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.” The word “if” is conditional. There is a choice. As a believer, stay ready to confess to the Lord and repent. Pray for the people of this nation to have their hearts pricked by the Holy Spirit so that they may come to a place of confession, repentance, belief, and blessing.
Today’s Verse: 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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 32
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
