Les Feldick Bible Study

What does 1 John 1 promise when we confess our sins?

Scripture promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confession is what God wants when we recognize sin or failure. We do not have to beg forgiveness, because we have already been forgiven, but we still need to confess.

Les explains that the cleansing and feeding aspect of the Word is not limited to a Sunday service; it is a seven-day-a-week matter. Just as one cleanses constantly, the spiritual life is approached the same way. As soon as we recognize a sin or failure, God wants us to confess it, not beg forgiveness, since Scripture says we have already been forgiven. Though forgiven and cleansed, we still need confession, because the Lord wants us to realize that we have sinned and call it what He calls it. Then 1 John 1 promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Les also connects this to the priest at the laver, who washed his hands and feet after the brazen altar and before entering the tent for daily service. The laver had a looking-glass effect and water, showing the priest his physical need for cleansing, so confession and cleansing prepare one for daily service.

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.