1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.… If we say that we have no sin, we sin in saying so, for we give God the lie (ver. 10). I. THE NECESSITY OF CONFESSION. If we confess God will forgive, not otherwise. Though we cannot of ourselves avoid those sins without the grace of God, yet we might, if we would have that grace which would enable us to avoid them. And if man hath not this grace of God, the want is not in God, but in ourselves. Our confession must be with a purpose of obedience for the time to come. Not everyone that confesseth, "but he that confesseth and forsaketh his sins shall have mercy." II. WHERE IS ANY TO TAKE OUR CONFESSIONS? Here is none in the text to confess to, if we had a mind to it. None indeed expressly named, but here is one plainly enough described, that can pardon our sins and purge us from all our iniquities; to whom can we better confess than to Him that hath the power of absolution? Would you know who this He is? "I, even I," saith God, "am He who blotteth out all your iniquities, and that forgiveth your sins" (Isaiah 43:25). (Bp. Sparrow.) Parallel Verses KJV: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.WEB: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. |
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