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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:
As believers, we know that Jesus provides forgiveness of sins. My question is, when are our sins forgiven? 1. Were they all forgiven at the cross when our Lord said, "Father, forgive them...?" 2. Are they in a process of 'being forgiven' as we confess them? (My reason for asking. Every communion service we are urged to confess our sins and receive forgiveness. Yet, our pastor preaches that Jesus forgave all our sins, past, present, and future. This seems contradictory.) If we must ask for more forgiveness, and Christ grants it, does this violate Hebrews 9:22 - "...and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." |
Bible Answer: Greetings Lifer1J511! The short answers to your questions are: 1) Yes, and 2) Yes. 1) Yes, all of our sins were forgiven at the cross. 1 John 2:2 makes it abundantely clear that Christ died for our sins and the sins of the world. 2) However, 1 John 1:9 also makes it clear that as we live our Christians lifes we are going to sin against God and find ourselves needing to ask His forgiveness. However, I would say that this forgiveness is different from the forgiveness we receive when we first repent and are saved. When we first repent, we undergo a status change before God. His righteousness is imputed to us. But, when as a Christian we sin, our status doesn't change. We don't cease be a Christian because we lose our temper (for example). In this case, we are simply confessing our failings and maintaining our relationship with our Father, so that sin doesn't take root in our lives. So, I would say that your Pastor is absolutely correct. Concerning Heb. 9:22, this verse refers to salvation, not confession. I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |