Confession of Whose Sins? (1 John 1:9)

In a misguided attempt to implore the sinner to confess his sins and get saved for eternity, 1 John 1:9 is unfortunately often presented as an invitation to salvation to the cooperative sinner. However, we see from the audience that John was actually addressing that they were already forgiven of their sins, already of God, and clearly already saved. Rather than trying to save them to eternal life, instead John is giving assurance to the saved children of God who fail the Lord that God is loving to forgive them each and every time we falter when we honestly confess our sins before the Lord. 

The Gospel of Grace Radio Broadcast from 6-03-2018.

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