“Faithful and Just” – 1 John 1.8-9

1 John 1.8-9 – “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

God is just. This means that His decisions are always right and perfect. Therefore, in regard to sin, God is justified in punishing sin. We have all sinned and we still sin even after we put our faith in Jesus. This is why John says that we deceive ourselves if we claim to be without sin. So, it seems odd at first glance that John would describe God as just when talking about our sins because God’s justice demands that we be punished for our sins.

This is where His faithfulness comes in. Those who are faithful are “firm in adherence to promises.” God never breaks His promises. He has promised to forgive. God says in Jeremiah 31.34, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” So, while God’s justice demands punishment, Jesus has taken that punishment for us. God has proven faithful to His promise to forgive us.

1 John 1.9 provides yet another promise of forgiveness. Too many people fail to realize that if they confess their sins, they are forgiven and no longer need to carry around the burden of sin. They doubt God’s promise of forgiveness. We must doubt no longer. If we have confessed our sins with sincerity, they are gone. We are forgiven. God is faithful and just to remove them from us. Jesus has done all the work. All that is left for us is to receive the benefits of His sacrifice. Let’s receive His forgiveness with thankfulness without doubting the One who never breaks His promises.