Journal: Journal of Transformative Learning and Leadership
Volume: JTLL 02:1 (Fall 2024)
Article: Does 1 John 1:9 Affirm That "Believers" Should Confess Their Sins?
Author: Roger S. Fankhauser

Does 1 John 1:9 Affirm That Believers Should Confess Their Sins?

Roger S. Fankhauser

Abstract

The author analyzes 1 John 1:9 to determine whether “confess” addresses the sanctification of believers or the justification of unbelievers. Analysis of the pronouns in 1 John 1 leads to the conclusion that “we” in v. 9 refers to believers. Analysis of the context reinforces this conclusion. The believer confesses (admits to, acknowledges) his or her specific sins, and God forgives that believer. Contrary to the teaching of some, particularly those identified with the so-called “hyper-grace” movement, such forgiveness is not the once-for-all forgiveness coincident with justification, but rather “family” forgiveness for the sins a believer commits which interferes with the intimacy of their day-to-day relationship with his or her Father. This forgiveness allows the believer to restore and enjoy fellowship with God. “Fellowship” is dynamic, that is, growing into or drifting away from fellowship rather than fully “in or out” of fellowship. He challenges his readers’ wrong thinking about sin and challenges them to walk in the light (their conduct and thoughts are in accord with God and His character). The confession of sins by the believer as taught by John does not necessitate an unhealthy preoccupation with sin, but rather a healthy awareness that every believer still sins and needs to deal with that sin to fully enjoy his or her fellowship with God.

JTLL 2:1 (Fall 2024) 41

Introduction

First John 1:9 makes a very clear statement, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” However, not all agree on who the “we” references. Some understand it as a reference to believers.1 Others take it as a reference to unbelievers.2 Some specifically

JTLL 2:1 (Fall 2024) 42

identify these unbelievers as Gnostics;3 some suggest these unbelievers are Jewish false teachers who deny Jesus is the Christ.4

The former approach understands the passage as a sanctification issue for believers; the latter understands the passage as a justification issue.5 Which view is right? To answer the question, this analysis looks at 1 John 1:9 in its context (