Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If we confess our sins - If, from a deep sense of our guilt, impurity, and helplessness, we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our iniquity, his holiness, and our own utter helplessness, and implore mercy for his sake who has died for us; he is faithful, because to such he has promised mercy, Psa 32:5; Pro 28:13; and just, for Christ has died for us, and thus made an atonement to the Divine justice; so that God can now be just, and yet the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness - Not only to forgive the sin, but to purify the heart. Observe here, 1. Sin exists in the soul after two modes or forms: (1.) In guilt, which requires forgiveness or pardon. (2.) In pollution, which requires cleansing. 2. Guilt, to be forgiven, must be confessed; and pollution, to be cleansed, must be also confessed. In order to find mercy, a man must know and feel himself to be a sinner, that he may fervently apply to God for pardon; in order to get a clean heart, a man must know and feel its depravity, acknowledge and deplore it before God, in order to be fully sanctified. 3. Few are pardoned, because they do not feel and confess their sins; and few are sanctified or cleansed from all sin, because they do not feel and confess their own sore, and the plague of their hearts. 4. As the blood of Jesus Christ, the merit of his passion and death, applied by faith, purges the conscience from all dead works, so the same cleanses the heart from all unrighteousness. 5. As all unrighteousness is sin, so he that is cleansed from all unrighteousness is cleansed from all sin. To attempt to evade this, and plead for the continuance of sin in the heart through life, is ungrateful, wicked, and even blasphemous; for as he who says he has not sinned, Jo1 1:10, makes God a liar, who has declared the contrary through every part of his revelation; so he that says the blood of Christ either cannot or will not cleanse us from all sin in this life, gives also the lie to his Maker, who has declared the contrary, and thus shows that the word - the doctrine of God is not in him. Reader, it is the birthright of every child of God to be cleansed from all sin, to keep himself unspotted from the world, and so to live as never more to offend his Maker. All things are possible to him that believeth; because all things are possible to the infinitely meritorious blood and energetic Spirit of the Lord Jesus. See the notes on the parallel passages in the margin; and particularly in St. John's gospel, John 1 note.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
confess--with the lips, speaking from a contrite heart; involving also confession to our fellow men of offenses committed against them. he--God. faithful--to His own promises; "true" to His word. just--Not merely the mercy, but the justice or righteousness of God is set forth in the redemption of the penitent believer in Christ. God's promises of mercy, to which He is faithful, are in accordance with His justice. to--Greek, "in order that." His forgiving us our sins and cleansing us, &c., is in furtherance of the ends of His eternal faithfulness and justice. forgive--remitting the guilt. cleanse--purify from all filthiness, so that henceforth we more and more become free from the presence of sin through the Spirit of sanctification (compare Heb 9:14; and above, see on Jo1 1:7). unrighteousness--offensive to Him who "is just" or righteous; called "sin," Jo1 1:7, because "sin is the transgression of the law," and the law is the expression of God's righteousness, so that sin is unrighteousness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If we confess our sins,.... Not to one other; for though it is our duty to confess our faults to our fellow creatures and fellow Christians which are committed against them, yet are under no obligation to confess such as are more immediately against God, and which lie between him and ourselves; or at least it is sufficient to confess and acknowledge in general what sinful creatures we are, without entering into particulars; for confession of sin is to be made to God, against whom it is committed, and who only can pardon: and a man that truly confesses his sin is one that the Spirit of God has convinced of it, and has shown him its exceeding sinfulness, and filled him with a godly sorrow for it, and given him repentance unto salvation, that needeth not to be repented of; and who, under such a sight and sense of sin, and concern for it, comes and acknowledges it before the Lord, humbly imploring, for Christ's sake, his pardoning grace and mercy; and such obtain it: he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins: forgiveness of sin here intends not the act of forgiveness, as in God, proceeding upon the bloodshed and sacrifice of Christ, which is done at once, and includes all sin, past, present, and to come; but an application of pardoning grace to a poor sensible sinner, humbled under a sense of sin, and confessing it before the Lord; and confession of sin is not the cause or condition of pardon, nor of the manifestation of it, but is descriptive of the person, and points him out, to whom God will and does make known his forgiving love; for to whomsoever he grants repentance, he gives the remission of sin; in doing of which he is faithful to his word of promise; such as in Pro 28:13; "and just"; in being "true", as the Arabic version adds, to his word; and showing a proper regard to the blood and sacrifice of his Son; for his blood being shed, and hereby satisfaction made to the law and justice of God, it is a righteous thing in him to justify from sin, and forgive the sinner for whom Christ has shed his blood, and not impute it to him, or punish him for it; though the word here used may answer to the Hebrew word which sometimes carries in it the notion and idea of mercy and beneficence; hence mercy to the poor is sometimes expressed by righteousness; and the righteous acts of God intend his mercies and benefits unto men; see Dan 4:27; and so forgiveness of sin springs from the tender mercies of our God, and is both an act of justice and of mercy; of justice, with respect to the blood of Christ, and of pure grace and mercy to the pardoned sinner: the following clause, and to cleanse us, from all unrighteousness, 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. 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 power to forgive sin.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:9 To maintain continual fellowship with God, we need to confess our sins to him. Forgiveness and cleansing are guaranteed because God is faithful to his promises and because he acts on the basis of his justice. Christ’s death for our sins fulfills God’s justice and acquits us of our guilt.
Walking in the Light
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.10If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hell-Shaking Prayer
By David Wilkerson43K1:02:472CH 7:14PSA 51:10DAN 6:10JAS 5:161JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, focusing on the story of Daniel who prayed fervently despite facing opposition and the threat of the lion's den. It highlights the need for believers to be men and women of prayer, seeking God's face and repenting of sin to experience His cleansing and restoration.
Accountability to God - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill24K29:18RevivalAccountabilityPSA 51:10MAT 24:14LUK 19:10JHN 14:1ROM 6:222CO 5:10JAS 5:161PE 4:51JN 1:9REV 3:19Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of accountability to God, arguing that if believers truly believed in the imminent return of Jesus, their lives would reflect that belief through prayer and righteous living. He critiques the complacency of Christians who are satisfied with their spiritual state and calls for a revival that stems from a genuine restoration of first love for Christ. Ravenhill shares powerful testimonies of transformation, illustrating how true repentance and obedience lead to joy and a renewed relationship with God. He challenges the church to confront sin and seek holiness, reminding them that God desires a broken and contrite heart. Ultimately, he urges believers to live as if Christ's return is imminent, impacting their actions and relationships.
Victory Over One's Worst Enemy
By Paris Reidhead15K36:50Overcoming SelfVictoryVictory in ChristJHN 10:10ROM 5:8ROM 6:6ROM 8:372CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 4:13COL 3:31JN 1:9Paris Reidhead emphasizes that our greatest enemy is ourselves, revealing his personal struggles with spirituality and critical attitudes during his missionary work in Africa. He shares his journey of disillusionment and the realization that true victory comes from recognizing our identity in Christ, being crucified with Him, and understanding that He died not just for our sins but to transform us from within. Reidhead encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, moving beyond mere intellectual knowledge to a heartfelt experience of His grace and power. He concludes with a call to embrace the resurrection life of Christ, which empowers us to overcome our negative traits and habits.
Accountability to God - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill14K25:24Accountability to GodAccountabilityPurity of HeartPSA 51:10MAT 5:8JHN 10:10ACT 15:8ROM 3:232CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:22HEB 12:141JN 1:9Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for accountability to God, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance and the pursuit of purity in the heart. He recounts a personal story of a woman who, after a deep cry for mercy, experienced true salvation, contrasting it with his own struggle with sin and misery. Ravenhill argues that the greatest sin is the desire to run one's own life apart from God, and he stresses that true Christianity is about allowing Christ to live within us, leading to a pure heart and a renewed spirit. He challenges the modern church's tendency to downplay sin and calls for a return to recognizing the need for deep, inward cleansing and the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek purity, as it is the foundation for true power in their lives and ministries.
Free to Be Ourselves
By Norman Grubb12K49:45FreedomJHN 3:16JHN 5:191CO 10:132CO 4:18GAL 2:20HEB 4:121JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses three areas of understanding in relation to God's fatherhood. The first area is replacing negative seeing with positive seeing and living by faith. The second area is choosing our authority as sons of God, which is the word of faith. The third area is the privilege of the laid down life in intercession. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the power of the word of God and the need to labor to enter into rest. He encourages listeners to be themselves and to trust in God's ability to handle their lives.
The Spirit Filled Life
By Oswald J. Smith12K1:19:28Spirit Filled LifeMAT 6:33JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:181JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a Spirit-filled life for Christian workers, ministers, and missionaries. The command to "be filled with the Spirit" is the focus, with the speaker desiring power over sin and power in service. The speaker then outlines five conditions for being filled with the Spirit: confession, renunciation, surrender, obedience, and faith. The sermon includes personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate the importance of these conditions in experiencing a Spirit-filled life.
Freedom From Bondage Romans 8 - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill9.0K47:29FreedomROM 8:92CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 2:81JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience as children and emphasizes the importance of their testimony and prayer life. He highlights the contrast between their past glory and current shame, suggesting that their actions have led to this change in perception. The speaker emphasizes the need to earn rewards through faithfulness and labor, rather than assuming salvation guarantees them. He also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in removing guilt and enabling believers to walk triumphantly in God's name, even in the face of challenges and opposition. The sermon concludes with a reference to Paul's prayer for believers to be steadfast and unmovable in their faith.
Dependable Priest
By Jim Cymbala8.2K55:37Jesus ChristPRO 28:13JER 33:3MAT 21:13ROM 3:23HEB 4:14HEB 4:161JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the concept of Jesus as a dependable high priest. He emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to our faith and reminds the congregation that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because he was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin. The preacher encourages the congregation to come to the throne of grace for freedom from guilt, cleansing through the blood, and encouragement and strength for their challenges. He invites those who feel the message is for them to stand up and come forward for prayer, symbolizing the throne of grace.
(Basics) 11. God's Word Helps Us Overcome Satan
By Zac Poonen7.9K12:51CondemnationMAT 4:4MAT 4:7EPH 6:17HEB 8:121PE 1:231PE 2:21JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the forgiveness and acceptance offered by God through Jesus Christ. He explains that God not only forgives our sins but also declares us righteous, justifying us through faith. The preacher uses the analogy of being accused of a crime and being forgiven by a judge, highlighting that God does not remember our sins and does not view us with shame or condemnation. He encourages believers to combat the attacks of Satan by using the weapon of God's word, which is compared to a seed that brings new life, milk that helps us grow, and a sword to fight against spiritual enemies.
The Promises of God - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman6.6K30:08PromisesJHN 1:12JHN 3:3ROM 8:9ROM 10:92CO 5:17EPH 1:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the current state of the nation and emphasizes the importance of knowing one's worth and the worth of others. The speaker shares their personal belief in staking everything on Jesus, whom they have never seen but have witnessed his transformative power in the lives of people. They describe the greatest miracle as the transformation of a life and give examples of individuals who have been lifted out of despair and given new purpose through their faith in Jesus. The speaker concludes by highlighting the significance of the spiritual birth and the ability of Jesus to bring about a complete change in a person's life.
The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening
By J. Edwin Orr6.5K25:54Spiritual Awakening2CH 7:14PRO 28:13MAT 10:32ACT 3:192CO 7:1JAS 4:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasizes the importance of obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Third, he encourages the audience to publicly confess their faith in Christ. Finally, he highlights the need for explicit agreement and visible union among God's people in extraordinary prayer for revival and the extension of Christ's kingdom. The sermon also shares the story of Evan Roberts, a young man who sparked a revival in Lochor, Wales, through his preaching and emphasis on confession of sin and making things right with others.
The Making of a Worshipper
By David Wilkerson6.1K52:05WorshipperEXO 14:14EXO 15:2PSA 23:4PSA 46:10ROM 8:31HEB 4:91JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common question of why God allows sudden disasters and tragedies to happen. He uses the example of the Israelites in the Bible who were freed from bondage but faced new challenges in the wilderness. The speaker emphasizes that even though they had experienced freedom and were rejoicing, they quickly began to complain and doubt God when faced with difficulties. The sermon highlights the importance of learning from hard times and storms, and reminds listeners that life will not always be easy, but God is still present and faithful.
It's Friday but Sunday Is Coming
By Tony Campolo5.8K1:01:02MAT 4:17MAT 5:4MAT 16:24MAT 22:37MAT 25:35MRK 10:21MRK 16:15LUK 14:331JN 1:91JN 2:15This sermon emphasizes the call to repentance and radical surrender to Jesus, focusing on the need to confess sins, surrender worldly possessions, and commit to serving God wholeheartedly. It challenges listeners to become missionaries in various vocations, to love and serve others sacrificially, and to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else.
A Man After God's Own Heart
By Keith Daniel5.7K56:11God's HeartPSA 27:10PSA 32:1MAT 5:481JN 1:91JN 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of jealousy and its condemnation in the eyes of God. He uses the story of David and his enemy to illustrate how jealousy can drive someone to insanity. The preacher also highlights how God orchestrated circumstances in David's life to test his response to vengeance. He urges the congregation to come to the church's upcoming meetings and encourages them to surrender their lives to God, acknowledging their unworthiness and the immense price paid for their redemption through the blood of Jesus.
The Plague of the Heart
By A.W. Tozer5.6K42:14Sinful Nature1KI 8:37PSA 51:10PRO 28:13JER 17:9MAT 6:33ROM 3:231JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of sin and its stealthy nature. He highlights the fact that many people refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in their hearts. The preacher shares a story of a fifteen-year-old boy who committed a cold-blooded murder, illustrating that sin can reside in anyone, regardless of their appearance or status. He concludes by stating that Christianity has focused too much on the joy and blessings of Jesus, neglecting the fact that Jesus came to save people from the plague of sin in their hearts.
Esther #4 Ch. 8-10
By Chuck Missler5.3K1:03:23EstherJOS 1:8MAT 6:33GAL 3:101JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being diligent and responsible in our actions, rather than using religious excuses for laziness. He uses the examples of Joseph and Noah to illustrate the need for proactive stewardship and obedience to God's warnings. The speaker also highlights the significance of confession and God's faithfulness in forgiving our sins. Additionally, he mentions that in the next session, he will delve into the book of Esther, exploring hidden messages and lessons that can be applied to our personal lives.
(First Baptist Church) #4 - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05
By J. Edwin Orr5.1K22:48Welsh RevivalISA 64:8MAT 7:7MAT 28:19ACT 5:29ROM 10:9JAS 4:171JN 1:9In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the impact of a revival on the community and the role of the police during this time. The speaker shares that before the revival, the police's main job was to prevent crime and control crowds, but since the revival, there has been practically no crime. The speaker also mentions that the churches are now packed every night, and if any church wants a quartet to sing, they notify the police. The sermon also highlights the story of Evan Roberts, a young man who prayed for God to use him to bring 100,000 souls to Christ, and within five months, there were 100,000 conversions.
They Have Done Away With the Cross
By David Wilkerson5.1K51:39MAT 6:33JHN 10:1JHN 14:6ROM 6:231CO 1:18GAL 6:141JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the rise of a new generation of ministers who are focused on building large complexes that offer various amenities and entertainment. While these ministers may be intelligent and capable, their emphasis on non-threatening, contemporary approaches and coping with life's problems does not align with the heart of God. The speaker emphasizes that God's patience with such approaches should not be mistaken for approval. The core message of the sermon is that salvation and entry into heaven can only be attained through Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. The speaker highlights the sin-sick state of society and the invitation of Jesus to find rest and freedom from the chains of sin.
Monday #1 Revivals in the Late 1700's
By J. Edwin Orr4.8K34:14Revival HistoryACT 2:11JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the preaching of John Wesley and George Whitfield in Britain during the 18th century. The crowds that attended their sermons were massive, with up to twenty-five thousand people gathering at places like Kennington Common and Clapton Common. The preacher emphasizes that the success of these evangelists was not solely due to their own abilities, but rather the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon both the preachers and the unchurched masses. The sermon also highlights the moral and spiritual decay of the time, with rampant drunkenness, profanity, and immorality prevalent in society.
Losing the Anointing - Part 1 (High Quality)
By David Wilkerson4.6K29:15PSA 32:5ISA 61:1JER 29:13MAT 16:24LUK 9:23ACT 3:192CO 3:17PHP 3:10JAS 4:81JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the freedom from guilt of the past through surrendering to God, trading shackles for a glorious song. It highlights the importance of seeking the anointing of God, the cost of maintaining it, and the need for a deep, personal relationship with God to experience His transformative power.
(Genesis) Genesis 35:1-2
By J. Vernon McGee4.6K06:05GenesisGEN 35:1MAT 6:33ROM 12:22CO 6:17EPH 4:221JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his journey back to Bethel. Jacob is called by God to return to Bethel and make an altar there. The preacher emphasizes the importance of putting away any idols or false gods in our lives before we can truly worship and serve God. He highlights the need for believers to live differently from the world and to reflect their faith in their actions and appearance. The sermon encourages listeners to examine their own lives and make the necessary changes to fully commit to God.
The Joys of Being Spirit Filled
By Francis Chan4.4K41:53ROM 8:9ROM 15:5EPH 5:18EPH 5:21COL 3:16COL 3:231TH 5:161JN 1:91JN 4:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of being Spirit-filled, focusing on constant thanksgiving, sharing scripture with others, and maintaining a heart of worship through psalms and hymns. It highlights the need for genuine love and submission in relationships as a reflection of one's relationship with God.
Great Awakenings in American History Part 4
By J. Edwin Orr4.2K1:01:18Revival HistoryPSA 51:2MAT 6:33MAT 18:19ACT 2:1ACT 2:461JN 1:9In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a powerful revival that took place in Wales. The meeting was filled with fervent prayer, with many individuals standing up to pray one after another. The speaker mentions a missionary retirement home where the ex-Korea missionary, Dr. William Newton Blair, coached others in their faith. The revival spread throughout Wales, with numerous people, including a 78-year-old granny and a 12-year-old boy, participating in preaching and prayer. The speaker also shares an incident where Evan Roberts, a key figure in the revival, arrived at a church unexpectedly and led a powerful meeting that lasted until the early hours of the morning. The sermon emphasizes the conviction and transformation that occurred during this revival, with individuals facing the issues in their lives and experiencing a decrease in crime in the area.
Confession and Revival
By J. Edwin Orr4.1K12:44ConfessionPSA 139:231JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of confession in the context of revival. He emphasizes that confession should be genuine and not turn into a mere exhibition of sins. The preacher advises that confession should be made to God for secret sins, privately to those who have been hurt by our actions, and openly for sins committed publicly. He also highlights the biblical example of Peter confessing Jesus as the Christ, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing the truth. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for revival and seek deliverance through the prayers of righteous believers.
Personal Testimony - Part 1
By Milton Green4.1K14:52PSA 34:17PSA 51:10ISA 61:1JHN 8:12ROM 8:1ROM 8:282CO 5:17EPH 2:81JN 1:9This sermon shares a powerful testimony of grace and redemption, highlighting a journey from darkness and bondage to finding freedom and light through the grace of God. It emphasizes the impact of the powers of darkness on a tender heart, the struggles faced in a tumultuous upbringing, and the deep desire for love and compassion in a harsh environment. The speaker reflects on experiences of guilt, condemnation, and the ultimate transformation brought about by God's grace and mercy.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If we confess our sins - If, from a deep sense of our guilt, impurity, and helplessness, we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our iniquity, his holiness, and our own utter helplessness, and implore mercy for his sake who has died for us; he is faithful, because to such he has promised mercy, Psa 32:5; Pro 28:13; and just, for Christ has died for us, and thus made an atonement to the Divine justice; so that God can now be just, and yet the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness - Not only to forgive the sin, but to purify the heart. Observe here, 1. Sin exists in the soul after two modes or forms: (1.) In guilt, which requires forgiveness or pardon. (2.) In pollution, which requires cleansing. 2. Guilt, to be forgiven, must be confessed; and pollution, to be cleansed, must be also confessed. In order to find mercy, a man must know and feel himself to be a sinner, that he may fervently apply to God for pardon; in order to get a clean heart, a man must know and feel its depravity, acknowledge and deplore it before God, in order to be fully sanctified. 3. Few are pardoned, because they do not feel and confess their sins; and few are sanctified or cleansed from all sin, because they do not feel and confess their own sore, and the plague of their hearts. 4. As the blood of Jesus Christ, the merit of his passion and death, applied by faith, purges the conscience from all dead works, so the same cleanses the heart from all unrighteousness. 5. As all unrighteousness is sin, so he that is cleansed from all unrighteousness is cleansed from all sin. To attempt to evade this, and plead for the continuance of sin in the heart through life, is ungrateful, wicked, and even blasphemous; for as he who says he has not sinned, Jo1 1:10, makes God a liar, who has declared the contrary through every part of his revelation; so he that says the blood of Christ either cannot or will not cleanse us from all sin in this life, gives also the lie to his Maker, who has declared the contrary, and thus shows that the word - the doctrine of God is not in him. Reader, it is the birthright of every child of God to be cleansed from all sin, to keep himself unspotted from the world, and so to live as never more to offend his Maker. All things are possible to him that believeth; because all things are possible to the infinitely meritorious blood and energetic Spirit of the Lord Jesus. See the notes on the parallel passages in the margin; and particularly in St. John's gospel, John 1 note.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
confess--with the lips, speaking from a contrite heart; involving also confession to our fellow men of offenses committed against them. he--God. faithful--to His own promises; "true" to His word. just--Not merely the mercy, but the justice or righteousness of God is set forth in the redemption of the penitent believer in Christ. God's promises of mercy, to which He is faithful, are in accordance with His justice. to--Greek, "in order that." His forgiving us our sins and cleansing us, &c., is in furtherance of the ends of His eternal faithfulness and justice. forgive--remitting the guilt. cleanse--purify from all filthiness, so that henceforth we more and more become free from the presence of sin through the Spirit of sanctification (compare Heb 9:14; and above, see on Jo1 1:7). unrighteousness--offensive to Him who "is just" or righteous; called "sin," Jo1 1:7, because "sin is the transgression of the law," and the law is the expression of God's righteousness, so that sin is unrighteousness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If we confess our sins,.... Not to one other; for though it is our duty to confess our faults to our fellow creatures and fellow Christians which are committed against them, yet are under no obligation to confess such as are more immediately against God, and which lie between him and ourselves; or at least it is sufficient to confess and acknowledge in general what sinful creatures we are, without entering into particulars; for confession of sin is to be made to God, against whom it is committed, and who only can pardon: and a man that truly confesses his sin is one that the Spirit of God has convinced of it, and has shown him its exceeding sinfulness, and filled him with a godly sorrow for it, and given him repentance unto salvation, that needeth not to be repented of; and who, under such a sight and sense of sin, and concern for it, comes and acknowledges it before the Lord, humbly imploring, for Christ's sake, his pardoning grace and mercy; and such obtain it: he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins: forgiveness of sin here intends not the act of forgiveness, as in God, proceeding upon the bloodshed and sacrifice of Christ, which is done at once, and includes all sin, past, present, and to come; but an application of pardoning grace to a poor sensible sinner, humbled under a sense of sin, and confessing it before the Lord; and confession of sin is not the cause or condition of pardon, nor of the manifestation of it, but is descriptive of the person, and points him out, to whom God will and does make known his forgiving love; for to whomsoever he grants repentance, he gives the remission of sin; in doing of which he is faithful to his word of promise; such as in Pro 28:13; "and just"; in being "true", as the Arabic version adds, to his word; and showing a proper regard to the blood and sacrifice of his Son; for his blood being shed, and hereby satisfaction made to the law and justice of God, it is a righteous thing in him to justify from sin, and forgive the sinner for whom Christ has shed his blood, and not impute it to him, or punish him for it; though the word here used may answer to the Hebrew word which sometimes carries in it the notion and idea of mercy and beneficence; hence mercy to the poor is sometimes expressed by righteousness; and the righteous acts of God intend his mercies and benefits unto men; see Dan 4:27; and so forgiveness of sin springs from the tender mercies of our God, and is both an act of justice and of mercy; of justice, with respect to the blood of Christ, and of pure grace and mercy to the pardoned sinner: the following clause, and to cleanse us, from all unrighteousness, 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. 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 power to forgive sin.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:9 To maintain continual fellowship with God, we need to confess our sins to him. Forgiveness and cleansing are guaranteed because God is faithful to his promises and because he acts on the basis of his justice. Christ’s death for our sins fulfills God’s justice and acquits us of our guilt.