1 John 1:8
Verse
Context
Walking in the Light
7But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If we say that we have no sin - This is tantamount to Jo1 1:10 : If we say that we have not sinned. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; and therefore every man needs a Savior, such as Christ is. It is very likely that the heretics, against whose evil doctrines the apostle writes, denied that they had any sin, or needed any Savior. In deed, the Gnostics even denied that Christ suffered: the Aeon, or Divine Being that dwelt in the man Christ Jesus, according to them, left him when he was taken by the Jews; and he, being but a common man, his sufferings and death had neither merit nor efficacy. We deceive ourselves - By supposing that we have no guilt, no sinfulness, and consequently have no need of the blood of Christ as an atoning sacrifice: this is the most dreadful of all deceptions, as it leaves the soul under all the guilt and pollution of sin, exposed to hell, and utterly unfit for heaven. The truth is not in us - We have no knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus, the whole of which is founded on this most awful truth - all have sinned, all are guilty, all are unholy; and none can redeem himself. Hence it is as necessary that Jesus Christ should become incarnated, and suffer and die to bring men to God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The confession of sins is a necessary consequence of "walking in the light" (Jo1 1:7). "If thou shalt confess thyself a sinner, the truth is in thee; for the truth is itself light. Not yet has thy life become perfectly light, as sins are still in thee, but yet thou hast already begun to be illuminated, because there is in thee confession of sins" [AUGUSTINE]. that we have no sin--"HAVE," not "have had," must refer not to the past sinful life while unconverted, but to the present state wherein believers have sin even still. Observe, "sin" is in the singular; "(confess our) sins" (Jo1 1:9) in the plural. Sin refers to the corruption of the old man still present in us, and the stain created by the actual sins flowing from that old nature in us. To confess our need of cleansing from present sin is essential to "walking in the light"; so far is the presence of some sin incompatible with our in the main "walking in light." But the believer hates, confesses, and longs to be delivered from all sin, which is darkness. "They who defend their sins, will see in the great day whether their sins can defend them." deceive ourselves--We cannot deceive God; we only make ourselves to err from the right path. the truth-- (Jo1 2:4). True faith. "The truth respecting God's holiness and our sinfulness, which is the very first spark of light in us, has no place in us" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
If we say that we have no sin,.... Notwithstanding believers are cleansed from their sins by the blood of Christ, yet they are not without sin; no man is without sin: this is not only true of all men, as they come into the world, being conceived in sin, and shapen in iniquity, and of all that are in a state of unregeneracy, and of God's elect, while in such a state, but even of all regenerated and sanctified persons in this life; as appears by the ingenuous confessions of sin made by the saints in all ages; by their complaints concerning it, and groans under it; by the continual war in them between flesh and spirit; and by their prayers for the discoveries of pardoning grace, and for the fresh application of Christ's blood for cleansing; by their remissness in the discharge of duty, and by their frequent slips and falls, and often backslidings: and though their sins are all pardoned, and they are justified from all things by the righteousness of Christ, yet they are not without sin; though they are freed from the guilt of sin, and are under no obligation to punishment on account of it, yet not from the being of it; their sins were indeed transferred from them to Christ, and he has bore them, and took them and put them away, and they are redeemed from them, and are acquitted, discharged, and pardoned, so that sin is not imputed to them, and God sees no iniquity in them in the article of justification; and also, their iniquities are caused to pass from them, as to the guilt of them, and are taken out of their sight, and they have no more conscience of them, having their hearts sprinkled and purged by the blood of Jesus, and are clear of all condemnation, the curse of the law, the wrath of God, or the second death, by reason of them; yet pardon of sin, and justification from it, though they take away the guilt of sin, and free from obligation to punishment, yet they do not take out the being of sin, or cause it to cease to act, or do not make sins cease to be sins, or change the nature of actions, of sinful ones, to make them harmless, innocent, or indifferent; the sins of believers are equally sins with other persons, are of the same kind and nature, and equally transgressions of the law, and many of them are attended with more aggravating circumstances, and are taken notice of by God, and resented by him, and for which he chastises his people in love: now though a believer may say that he has not this or that particular sin, or is not guilty of this or that sin, for he has the seeds of all sin in him, yet he cannot say he has no sin; and though he may truly say he shall have no sin, for in the other state the being and principle of sin will be removed, and the saints will be perfectly holy in themselves, yet he cannot, in this present life, say that he is without it: if any of us who profess to be cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ should affirm this, we deceive ourselves; such persons must be ignorant of themselves, and put a cheat upon themselves, thinking themselves to be something when they are nothing; flattering themselves what pure and holy creatures they are, when there is a fountain of sin and wickedness in them; these are self-deceptions, sad delusions, and gross impositions upon themselves: and the truth is not in us; it is a plain case the truth of grace is not in such persons, for if there was a real work of God upon their souls, they would know and discern the plague of their own hearts, the impurity of their nature, and the imperfection of their obedience; nor is the word of truth in them, for if that had an entrance into them, and worked effectually in them, they would in the light of it discover much sin and iniquity in them; and indeed there is no principle of truth, no veracity in them; there is no sincerity nor ingenuity in them; they do not speak honestly and uprightly, but contrary to the dictates of their own conscience.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, I. The apostle, having supposed that even those of this heavenly communion have yet their sin, proceeds here to justify that supposition, and this he does by showing the dreadful consequences of denying it, and that in two particulars: - 1. If we say, We have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, Jo1 1:8. We must beware of deceiving ourselves in denying or excusing our sins. The more we see them the more we shall esteem and value the remedy. If we deny them, the truth is not in us, either the truth that is contrary to such denial (we lie in denying our sin), or the truth of religion, is not in us. The Christian religion is the religion of sinners, of such as have sinned, and in whom sin in some measure still dwells. The Christian life is a life of continued repentance, humiliation for and mortification of sin, of continual faith in, thankfulness for, and love to the Redeemer, and hopeful joyful expectation of a day of glorious redemption, in which the believer shall be fully and finally acquitted, and sin abolished for ever. 2. If we say, We have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us, Jo1 1:10. The denial of our sin not only deceives ourselves, but reflects dishonour upon God. It challenges his veracity. He has abundantly testified of, and testified against, the sin of the world. And the Lord said in his heart (determined thus with himself), I will not again curse the ground (as he had then lately done) for man's sake; for (or, with the learned bishop Patrick, though) the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, Gen 8:21. But God has given his testimony to the continued sin and sinfulness of the world, by providing a sufficient effectual sacrifice for sin, that will be needed in all ages, and to the continued sinfulness of believers themselves by requiring them continually to confess their sins, and apply themselves by faith to the blood of that sacrifice. And therefore, if we say either that we have not sinned or do not yet sin, the word of God is not in us, neither in our minds, as to the acquaintance we should have with it, nor in our hearts, as to the practical influence it should have upon us. II. The apostle then instructs the believer in the way to the continued pardon of his sin. Here we have, 1. His duty in order thereto: If we confess our sins, Jo1 1:9. Penitent confession and acknowledgment of sin are the believer's business, and the means of his deliverance from his guilt. And, 2. His encouragement thereto, and assurance of the happy issue. This is the veracity, righteousness, and clemency of God, to whom he makes such confession: He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, Jo1 1:9. God is faithful to his covenant and word, wherein he has promised forgiveness to penitent believing confessors. He is just to himself and his glory who has provided such a sacrifice, by which his righteousness is declared in the justification of sinners. He is just to his Son who has not only sent him for such service, but promised to him that those who come through him shall be forgiven on his account. By his knowledge (by the believing apprehension of him) shall my righteous servant justify many, Isa 53:11. He is clement and gracious also, and so will forgive, to the contrite confessor, all his sins, cleanse him from the guilt of all unrighteousness, and in due time deliver him from the power and practice of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:8 If we claim we have no sin: This is the second false claim of the Gnostics (see 1:6). They claimed that they were or could be sinless since Christ had abolished their sins once and for all—their higher knowledge would lift them above the realm of sin. But Christians do still sin when they live in their old nature (see Rom 7:14-25). The true Christian both acknowledges this sin (1 Jn 1:9) and trusts in Christ to take it away.
1 John 1:8
Walking in the Light
7But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Sermon That Has Angered Many - Examine Yourself
By Paul Washer37K1:13:10ExaminationISA 66:2JHN 1:5JHN 3:212CO 13:5JAS 1:131JN 1:81JN 3:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of focusing on eternal things. He warns against being enslaved to the things of this present evil age and encourages listeners to set their hearts on Christ and follow him. The preacher also highlights the need for self-examination in light of the word of God and the importance of repentance and belief in Christ. He challenges the idea of a superficial Christianity that merely repeats words without genuine transformation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep love for God and a recognition of His power and authority over all creation.
A Divided Heart
By C.H. Spurgeon17K41:19Spiritual UnityDividedDivided HeartPSA 86:11PRO 4:23HOS 10:2MAT 6:241CO 1:10GAL 5:15EPH 4:3PHP 2:2JAS 1:81JN 1:8C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divided heart is a grievous disease that affects the whole person, causing unhappiness, inconsistency, and hypocrisy. Spurgeon illustrates that this division not only hinders personal faith but also weakens the church's collective strength against evil. He calls for unity of heart in serving God, urging listeners to examine their own hearts and seek true devotion. Ultimately, he offers hope for those with broken hearts, inviting them to trust in Christ for healing and salvation.
(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 1. in the Crucible of Suffering
By Roy Hession5.2K51:58BrokennessJOB 1:1JOB 42:12PRO 3:5MAT 6:332TI 3:162PE 2:211JN 1:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fourth test that Job faced, which was the counsel of his three friends. These friends, who were oriental philosophers, constantly implied that Job had done something wrong to deserve his suffering. Despite the loss of his wealth, children, and health, the words of his friends proved to be a greater trial for Job. The sermon also mentions the dialogue between Job and his friends, as well as the introduction of another voice, Elihu, and ultimately God himself.
8 Ways to Deceive Ourselves
By Zac Poonen3.8K1:00:531CO 3:182CO 11:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8REV 12:9This sermon emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, focusing on the need to be vigilant against deception in various aspects of our lives. It highlights the importance of humility, being prepared to address conflicts, controlling our speech, and acknowledging our sinful nature. The message underscores the significance of being doers of God's word, recognizing the impact of our actions and words, and avoiding self-deception by staying grounded in truth.
Apostasy/healing/prosperity?
By Zac Poonen2.7K03:47PRO 28:13MAT 6:33MRK 8:36JHN 8:32JHN 14:62TH 2:32TI 4:3JAS 4:41JN 1:8This sermon delves into 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, emphasizing the warning about the last days and the deception that will lead many Christians astray. It highlights the danger of prioritizing earthly prosperity over holiness and seeking physical healing above deliverance from sin, which is considered a falling away from the true faith. The speaker challenges the prevalent focus on material wealth and physical healing in modern Christianity, contrasting it with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
(1 John #18) in Prospect and Restrospect
By J. Glyn Owen2.5K35:59Christian LifeMAT 24:301JN 1:81JN 2:291JN 3:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two important aspects of the Christian faith: hope and habit. He emphasizes the Christian hope, which is centered around the belief that Jesus Christ will reappear in glory. The preacher also discusses the prospect that purifies, highlighting the importance of living a consistent and righteous life. He explains that Christ's purpose was to take away sin and break its dominion over believers. The overall message is that as children of God, our relationship with Jesus should lead us away from sin and towards a Christ-like life.
Beyond the Surface
By Jim Cymbala2.2K37:02Christian LifeMAT 6:33JAS 1:26JAS 2:14JAS 3:61PE 4:81JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith and the impact it should have on a person's life. He warns against the deception that can come from religious routines and urges listeners to wake up and truly experience salvation. The preacher highlights the corrupt values of the world and encourages believers not to conform to them, but to live according to God's values. He also emphasizes the need to care for the vulnerable, such as orphans and widows, as a demonstration of true religion that God accepts.
Quote - Holiness and Sin
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K00:21Ravenhill QuoteSinHoliness1JN 1:8Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that sin should not be a normal part of the Christian life, challenging the notion that a little sin is necessary for humility. He argues that the scripture uses 'if' rather than 'when,' indicating that Christians are called to live above sin. Ravenhill critiques the idea that sin is acceptable or beneficial, urging believers to strive for holiness instead.
Lessons From Losing
By Jim Cymbala1.5K41:30VictoryJOS 7:11JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a strong relationship and fellowship with God. He explains that sin in our lives can hinder our victory and success. The preacher encourages the congregation to confess their sins to Jesus Christ and seek His forgiveness. He also urges them to have a desire to see God's name lifted up and to serve Him faithfully in the coming year.
Quote - God's Protection From Sin
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K02:09Ravenhill QuoteGEN 1:2MAT 4:19MAT 5:13ROM 3:23ROM 6:231CO 10:131JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about going fishing in the Bahamas. He describes the luxurious lifestyle of the people he went fishing with, including their beautiful home, servants, and extravagant possessions like a plane and a yacht. The preacher caught a kingfish weighing 34 pounds, but when it was cooked and served, he didn't enjoy it. He questions how a fish can live in such a salty ocean without the salt penetrating its skin, yet God cannot keep him from sinning in this sinful world. The preacher emphasizes that sin is not normal for Christians and challenges the notion that it is. He highlights the fact that God hangs the world upon nothing and suggests that sin is abnormal and not part of God's original design for humanity.
A Clear Gospel Message - Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.5K09:30PRO 20:27JHN 14:6ROM 2:15ROM 3:231JN 1:8This sermon emphasizes the exclusive truth of Jesus Christ as the only way to God, challenging the idea of broad-mindedness in faith and highlighting the importance of recognizing Jesus as Almighty God who came to die for sinners. It addresses the need for individuals to acknowledge their sinfulness and approach Jesus as sinners rather than identifying with any religious label. The message also underscores the significance of preserving and heeding one's conscience as a vital gift from God, equating it to the eye of the heart that guides one in recognizing right from wrong.
Sin and Calvary the Need and the Solution
By William MacDonald1.2K23:45CalvaryGEN 3:6NUM 32:23PSA 51:3ROM 3:23ROM 6:16HEB 3:131JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the enslaving nature of sin and its consequences. He highlights how sin blinds people, making it easier to see faults in others but not in ourselves. The seriousness of sin is demonstrated through the sufferings of Jesus on the cross, as there was no other way to atone for our sins. The preacher also criticizes the tendency to blame others or external factors for our sins, instead of taking personal responsibility. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the shifty and destructive nature of sin and the need for repentance and reliance on Jesus for forgiveness.
Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.2K10:48PRO 1:7MAT 7:21ROM 6:231CO 6:7GAL 6:7JAS 1:221JN 1:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility in seeking wisdom from God's Word, highlighting the need to acknowledge our limitations in understanding spiritual truths. It also warns against self-deception, particularly in areas such as legal disputes among believers and living in sin while claiming to be a follower of Christ. The message stresses the seriousness of living a righteous life and the danger of being deceived into thinking that one can continue in sin without consequences.
Lukewarm No More - Part 6
By George Verwer99209:56LukewarmMAT 7:21MAT 16:24JHN 14:61CO 9:27EPH 4:26JAS 1:221JN 1:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a business meeting he attended where the topic of rejection was discussed. The message on rejection resonated with many people, as evidenced by the high distribution of the tape recording of the sermon. The speaker acknowledges his own weaknesses and limitations, as well as the time constraints we all face. He emphasizes the importance of living a faithful and committed life, using his own 35-year marriage as an example. The speaker also highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to actively engage in the Christian walk, rather than living a double life. He challenges listeners to examine their own level of passion and commitment to Jesus, and emphasizes the importance of a deep relationship with Him. The sermon also touches on the topic of missions and the need for a greater walk with Jesus in order to effectively engage in spreading the Gospel.
Paul's Gospel Messages 2 & 3
By Rolfe Barnard92746:13MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 3:23ROM 5:1ROM 8:24EPH 2:81JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for redemption and justification for sinful men. He highlights the Latin term "status quo" to describe the fallen state of humanity and the desperate need for God's grace. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the condemning law of sin before offering the all-forgiving grace of God. He also addresses the issue of modern man's denial of original sin and emphasizes the reality of sin and the fallen nature of humanity. The sermon calls for a genuine understanding of salvation and the power of God's grace in transforming lives.
You Don't Have to Sin
By Robert B. Thompson5641:18:00JHN 3:9JHN 8:34ROM 6:14HEB 10:171JN 1:81JN 3:31JN 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying within the boundaries set by God. He refers to the verse in Joshua that outlines the specific boundaries for the people of God. The speaker also highlights the need for believers to tread where God has promised, rather than venturing off on their own. He emphasizes that salvation is not a blank check and that it requires faith and patience to inherit the promises of God. The speaker also shares the example of David Brainerd, who preached to Native Americans about the need for thorough transformation and disregarded his own health in the process. The sermon concludes with the reminder that faith comes by hearing and that believers must actively pursue the promises of God.
Who Will Deliver Me?
By Erlo Stegen5571:21:22FreedomPRO 28:13ISA 59:1MAT 5:23MAT 6:33ROM 7:24JAS 5:161JN 1:8In this sermon, Pastor Voldemort shares a powerful story of a man who had a life-changing experience. The man had a dream where he saw all his sins and felt their weight. This led him to write down all his sins and realize the consequences of his actions. Eventually, he witnessed the execution of someone he was involved with, which deeply affected him. The man's letter serves as a reminder to keep promises made to God and to learn from his mistakes. The sermon concludes with a prayer of surrender and a call to Christians to heed the message of the man's story.
Hindrances to Prayer
By Chad Thompson5171:20:32PrayerPRO 21:13LUK 6:37PHP 2:41JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke 6:37-38, which teaches about not judging or condemning others, and the importance of forgiveness. The preacher emphasizes that if we are stingy with others, we cannot expect God to be generous with us in prayer. He warns against spiritual laziness and urges Christians to stay vigilant and not be weighed down by worldly cares. The preacher also highlights the need for prayer and references the disciples' failure to stay awake and pray with Jesus before his betrayal.
Idolatry, Unbelief and Repentance
By Michael Durham5151:02:29IdolatryGEN 50:20MAT 6:33ROM 1:25ROM 3:23ROM 8:28EPH 2:81JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of believing lies about God and how it leads to sin. He uses the example of marital disharmony to illustrate this point. The preacher emphasizes that the root of sin is believing the lie that we can control and direct our own lives for happiness and satisfaction. He highlights that throughout history, humans have proven that they cannot anticipate or overcome every hardship on their own. Instead, the preacher encourages listeners to come under the leadership of Jesus and experience the glory of living life with Him.
I John - if We Confess Our Sins
By Mariano Di Gangi27121:52SinISA 55:6JER 31:34MRK 12:30JHN 1:1ACT 2:381JN 1:61JN 1:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of falling short of God's standard of excellence and the need to confess our sins. The apostle Paul's statement that all have sinned emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our wrongdoings. The speaker then explores the nature of God, describing Him as light with perfect knowledge and spotless purity. The sermon also mentions the pilgrimage rituals in northern India as an example of people seeking to wash away their sins. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes the personal experience of Jesus Christ and the proclamation of His resurrection as the message to be shared with others.
The Heart Is Decietful and Desperately Wicked
By Peter Hammond19441:10HeartPRO 28:26JER 17:5MRK 10:181JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the existence of objective truth and reality. He argues that without the God of the Bible, rationality, logic, and intelligent design would not be possible. The preacher also discusses the concept of love, distinguishing between biblical love, which is characterized by selflessness, sacrifice, and integrity, and the world's sentimentality and emotionalism. He challenges the belief that only material and economic change can bring about social transformation, asserting that only regenerated lives and transformed hearts can truly change society for the better. Additionally, the preacher addresses the misconception that people are inherently good, highlighting the need for self-evaluation in light of God's commandments. He cautions against trusting one's own emotions and emphasizes the importance of following God's word, will, and worship as the measure of one's life.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 8 - Jobs Captivity Turned
By Phil Beach Jr.331:16:52CaptivitySelf-DeceptionSpiritual ClarityJOB 42:10ROM 12:31CO 3:181CO 6:91CO 15:33GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, particularly for fathers, urging them to guard their hearts and lives against it. He explains that self-deception can manifest in various ways, such as failing to act on God's word, denying one's sin, and overestimating oneself. Through the story of Job, he illustrates how suffering can lead to spiritual clarity and a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. Ultimately, Beach encourages listeners to seek God's truth and transformation, recognizing that true freedom comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on Christ.
The Heart Is Deceitful and Desperately Wicked
By Peter Hammond1PRO 28:26ECC 9:3ISA 1:18JER 17:5MRK 7:21MRK 10:18ROM 8:37TIT 2:11JAS 4:71JN 1:8Peter Hammond preaches about the dangers of trusting in man and the deceitfulness of the human heart, emphasizing the need to trust in the Lord for true blessings and security. He highlights the wickedness that resides in the hearts of men, as described in the Bible, and warns against the lies of the age that promote self-righteousness and false beliefs. The sermon also touches on the importance of acknowledging our faults, the possibility of transformation through God's grace, and the victories that can be achieved against all odds with God on our side.
Immaculate Christians? Some Practical Notes
By A.T. Robertson01CO 10:13GAL 5:16PHP 3:121PE 1:151JN 1:8A.T. Robertson preaches on the misconceptions of Christian Perfectionism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the enormity of God's holiness as the foundation for belief in any form of perfectionism. He highlights the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit to walk in victory over sin, acknowledging the continuous battle against the flesh and the need to resist sin. Robertson challenges the idea of absolute perfection, pointing out the flawed nature of humanity and the ongoing need for repentance and submission to God's standards. He stresses the importance of self-examination and humility, cautioning against claiming entire sanctification without genuine transformation and surrender to God's will.
On the Deceitfulness of the Human Heart
By John Wesley0Deceitfulness of the HeartHuman Nature and SinPSA 139:23PRO 28:26JER 17:9MAT 15:19ROM 3:102CO 5:17GAL 5:19EPH 4:22JAS 1:141JN 1:8John Wesley addresses the deceitfulness and wickedness of the human heart, emphasizing that it is inherently corrupt and self-deceiving. He critiques the notion that humanity is fundamentally virtuous, arguing instead that the heart is 'desperately wicked' and 'deceitful above all things,' leading to a myriad of sins and moral failures. Wesley warns against trusting in one's own heart, as it is prone to deception, and calls for reliance on God's understanding and guidance to truly know oneself. He highlights the necessity of divine grace for transformation and the importance of self-examination in the pursuit of righteousness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If we say that we have no sin - This is tantamount to Jo1 1:10 : If we say that we have not sinned. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; and therefore every man needs a Savior, such as Christ is. It is very likely that the heretics, against whose evil doctrines the apostle writes, denied that they had any sin, or needed any Savior. In deed, the Gnostics even denied that Christ suffered: the Aeon, or Divine Being that dwelt in the man Christ Jesus, according to them, left him when he was taken by the Jews; and he, being but a common man, his sufferings and death had neither merit nor efficacy. We deceive ourselves - By supposing that we have no guilt, no sinfulness, and consequently have no need of the blood of Christ as an atoning sacrifice: this is the most dreadful of all deceptions, as it leaves the soul under all the guilt and pollution of sin, exposed to hell, and utterly unfit for heaven. The truth is not in us - We have no knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus, the whole of which is founded on this most awful truth - all have sinned, all are guilty, all are unholy; and none can redeem himself. Hence it is as necessary that Jesus Christ should become incarnated, and suffer and die to bring men to God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The confession of sins is a necessary consequence of "walking in the light" (Jo1 1:7). "If thou shalt confess thyself a sinner, the truth is in thee; for the truth is itself light. Not yet has thy life become perfectly light, as sins are still in thee, but yet thou hast already begun to be illuminated, because there is in thee confession of sins" [AUGUSTINE]. that we have no sin--"HAVE," not "have had," must refer not to the past sinful life while unconverted, but to the present state wherein believers have sin even still. Observe, "sin" is in the singular; "(confess our) sins" (Jo1 1:9) in the plural. Sin refers to the corruption of the old man still present in us, and the stain created by the actual sins flowing from that old nature in us. To confess our need of cleansing from present sin is essential to "walking in the light"; so far is the presence of some sin incompatible with our in the main "walking in light." But the believer hates, confesses, and longs to be delivered from all sin, which is darkness. "They who defend their sins, will see in the great day whether their sins can defend them." deceive ourselves--We cannot deceive God; we only make ourselves to err from the right path. the truth-- (Jo1 2:4). True faith. "The truth respecting God's holiness and our sinfulness, which is the very first spark of light in us, has no place in us" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
If we say that we have no sin,.... Notwithstanding believers are cleansed from their sins by the blood of Christ, yet they are not without sin; no man is without sin: this is not only true of all men, as they come into the world, being conceived in sin, and shapen in iniquity, and of all that are in a state of unregeneracy, and of God's elect, while in such a state, but even of all regenerated and sanctified persons in this life; as appears by the ingenuous confessions of sin made by the saints in all ages; by their complaints concerning it, and groans under it; by the continual war in them between flesh and spirit; and by their prayers for the discoveries of pardoning grace, and for the fresh application of Christ's blood for cleansing; by their remissness in the discharge of duty, and by their frequent slips and falls, and often backslidings: and though their sins are all pardoned, and they are justified from all things by the righteousness of Christ, yet they are not without sin; though they are freed from the guilt of sin, and are under no obligation to punishment on account of it, yet not from the being of it; their sins were indeed transferred from them to Christ, and he has bore them, and took them and put them away, and they are redeemed from them, and are acquitted, discharged, and pardoned, so that sin is not imputed to them, and God sees no iniquity in them in the article of justification; and also, their iniquities are caused to pass from them, as to the guilt of them, and are taken out of their sight, and they have no more conscience of them, having their hearts sprinkled and purged by the blood of Jesus, and are clear of all condemnation, the curse of the law, the wrath of God, or the second death, by reason of them; yet pardon of sin, and justification from it, though they take away the guilt of sin, and free from obligation to punishment, yet they do not take out the being of sin, or cause it to cease to act, or do not make sins cease to be sins, or change the nature of actions, of sinful ones, to make them harmless, innocent, or indifferent; the sins of believers are equally sins with other persons, are of the same kind and nature, and equally transgressions of the law, and many of them are attended with more aggravating circumstances, and are taken notice of by God, and resented by him, and for which he chastises his people in love: now though a believer may say that he has not this or that particular sin, or is not guilty of this or that sin, for he has the seeds of all sin in him, yet he cannot say he has no sin; and though he may truly say he shall have no sin, for in the other state the being and principle of sin will be removed, and the saints will be perfectly holy in themselves, yet he cannot, in this present life, say that he is without it: if any of us who profess to be cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ should affirm this, we deceive ourselves; such persons must be ignorant of themselves, and put a cheat upon themselves, thinking themselves to be something when they are nothing; flattering themselves what pure and holy creatures they are, when there is a fountain of sin and wickedness in them; these are self-deceptions, sad delusions, and gross impositions upon themselves: and the truth is not in us; it is a plain case the truth of grace is not in such persons, for if there was a real work of God upon their souls, they would know and discern the plague of their own hearts, the impurity of their nature, and the imperfection of their obedience; nor is the word of truth in them, for if that had an entrance into them, and worked effectually in them, they would in the light of it discover much sin and iniquity in them; and indeed there is no principle of truth, no veracity in them; there is no sincerity nor ingenuity in them; they do not speak honestly and uprightly, but contrary to the dictates of their own conscience.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, I. The apostle, having supposed that even those of this heavenly communion have yet their sin, proceeds here to justify that supposition, and this he does by showing the dreadful consequences of denying it, and that in two particulars: - 1. If we say, We have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, Jo1 1:8. We must beware of deceiving ourselves in denying or excusing our sins. The more we see them the more we shall esteem and value the remedy. If we deny them, the truth is not in us, either the truth that is contrary to such denial (we lie in denying our sin), or the truth of religion, is not in us. The Christian religion is the religion of sinners, of such as have sinned, and in whom sin in some measure still dwells. The Christian life is a life of continued repentance, humiliation for and mortification of sin, of continual faith in, thankfulness for, and love to the Redeemer, and hopeful joyful expectation of a day of glorious redemption, in which the believer shall be fully and finally acquitted, and sin abolished for ever. 2. If we say, We have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us, Jo1 1:10. The denial of our sin not only deceives ourselves, but reflects dishonour upon God. It challenges his veracity. He has abundantly testified of, and testified against, the sin of the world. And the Lord said in his heart (determined thus with himself), I will not again curse the ground (as he had then lately done) for man's sake; for (or, with the learned bishop Patrick, though) the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, Gen 8:21. But God has given his testimony to the continued sin and sinfulness of the world, by providing a sufficient effectual sacrifice for sin, that will be needed in all ages, and to the continued sinfulness of believers themselves by requiring them continually to confess their sins, and apply themselves by faith to the blood of that sacrifice. And therefore, if we say either that we have not sinned or do not yet sin, the word of God is not in us, neither in our minds, as to the acquaintance we should have with it, nor in our hearts, as to the practical influence it should have upon us. II. The apostle then instructs the believer in the way to the continued pardon of his sin. Here we have, 1. His duty in order thereto: If we confess our sins, Jo1 1:9. Penitent confession and acknowledgment of sin are the believer's business, and the means of his deliverance from his guilt. And, 2. His encouragement thereto, and assurance of the happy issue. This is the veracity, righteousness, and clemency of God, to whom he makes such confession: He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, Jo1 1:9. God is faithful to his covenant and word, wherein he has promised forgiveness to penitent believing confessors. He is just to himself and his glory who has provided such a sacrifice, by which his righteousness is declared in the justification of sinners. He is just to his Son who has not only sent him for such service, but promised to him that those who come through him shall be forgiven on his account. By his knowledge (by the believing apprehension of him) shall my righteous servant justify many, Isa 53:11. He is clement and gracious also, and so will forgive, to the contrite confessor, all his sins, cleanse him from the guilt of all unrighteousness, and in due time deliver him from the power and practice of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:8 If we claim we have no sin: This is the second false claim of the Gnostics (see 1:6). They claimed that they were or could be sinless since Christ had abolished their sins once and for all—their higher knowledge would lift them above the realm of sin. But Christians do still sin when they live in their old nature (see Rom 7:14-25). The true Christian both acknowledges this sin (1 Jn 1:9) and trusts in Christ to take it away.