Assurance of Forgiveness 2025 (1 John 1:8-9)
Verse 8 This verse tells us all that we have sinned. This verse sound very similar to Romans 3:23
- I think the real problem for many, is that they think that we are the only ones who have sin or this particular sin. The other people around me are better than I am or, their sins are not as bad.
- This verse from 1 John and the one from Romans 3:23 puts us all on equal footing.
- But remember from John 3:17, Jesus did not come to condemn.
Verse 9 This verse begins to explain what we do to ensure that we are forgiven.
- A simple acknowledgement of our sin. Speaking it and acknowledging it.
- This doesn’t have to be a big deal; it can be a simple heartfelt silent prayer.
- It can be confessing to another mature believer.
- But it’s acknowledgement not work, not striving.
- Why is it so important to confess our sins and seek forgiveness?
- Unforgiven can be a demonic invitation.
- Eph 4:26-27 The implication is that unforgiven sin will give the devil a foothold.
- Then the verse tells us that Jesus is faithful.
- The Greek word used here can also mean trustworthy, reliable.
- John is establishing the character of Jesus first.
- Continuing in the verse. The NIV uses the word “Just” he is faithful and just
- The word translated as “Just” in the NIV or “Righteous” in the NASB means…
- correct, righteous, conforming to the standard, will, or character of God, by implication innocent.
- This is of course speaking of Jesus.
- It is His righteousness not ours. He is faithful and righteous.
- Because Jesus is in right relationship with God, He can do this.
Forgive: Then the verse tells us that He will forgive our sins.
- The Greek word used here means to cancel with the idea of being sent away.
- When we confess our sins Jesus cancels them, and sends them away.
Purify: Now the verse tells us that Jesus after he has forgiven us, He will purify us.
- The word used here means: cleanse, make clean, purify; heal, declare ritually acceptable
- This tells us that we are made pure, clean, even healed.
What will He purify us from? All unrighteousness
- And of course, unrighteousness refers to all those things we have done that were not pleasing to God.
- It also says all Not just some.
Deal with issue of punishment.
Isa 53 4-6 Verse 5 says that the punishment due us was upon Jesus.
- He took all of the punishment due, all of it.
- If there still needed to be some punishment then what did Christ die for?
How do we overcome that? 4 thoughts
First, we must understand that The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins, he brings conviction.
- Conviction is to lead to confession. Holy spirit conviction leads to confession with results in forgiveness.
- Once you have confessed it, it is gone.
Second, we must understand God sees you differently, he sees you perfectly.
- God only sees us the way He created us, not the way the World has tainted us.
Third, Find scriptures that speak this truth and really mediate on them.
Acts 3:19; 10:43; 13:38-39; Romans 4:7-8; 8:1; 10:10-11; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 8:12; 10:1-25
- John 1:9; 2:12
Fourth Get Help Have someone pray for you
Fifth find the joy! Romans 4:7 NLT