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NASB | 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 1:9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. |
Bible Question: The first (Luke 18:10-14) tells me to pray humbly, the second tells me that Christ. the sinless one, speaks in my defense. But none of these really answers my question. I was raised to believe that if I sin, I should ask forgiveness - each time - even if I've committed it before. Now I'm being told I should not do this. If I ask forgiveness each time, am I making my Heavenly Father angry? There doesn't seem to be anything that pinpoints this subject and I don't want it to be a "whatever floats your boat" decision. For the first time in a long time I am very confused about the Word! |
Bible Answer: Greetings reedera4! Welcome to the Study Bible Forum! I understand your confusion! Let me see if I can help. Personally, I think it's a great error to teach we are not told to ask for forgiveness or that it's not taught in scripture. Sorry one of your pastors of all people would create such confusion for you. Does Scripture teach us to ask for forgiveness? Yes indeed it does! Matthew 6:12 (NASB) And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. See Matthew 6:14-15 also for context. Luke 11:4 (NASB) And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation. 1 John 1:9 (NASB) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "Confess" in this passage means to "acknowledge" the sin. Or "profess" the sin. It is unreasonable to apply the meaning that asking God for forgiveness of the sin is wrong. There is nothing in the passage to teach that and it contradicts Matthew 6:12 and Luke 11:4 which clearly teach that we are to ask forgiveness. What must be understood in all these verses is that fellowship with God is in view here, not salvation. I fear we are more of a "clanging noise" in the ear of God with the nonsense we push on others. I'm sorry you have been left so confused on this considering it's importance and I hope this helps! Steve |