Reflecting on sin, confession, forgiveness and cleansing in the language of 1John 1:5-2:2

Our observation of this passage last Sunday evening was both challenging and encouraging to us.  These 4 statements help to summarize:

• "If we claim to be without sin we deceive ourselves"
• "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins"
• "I write this to you so that you will not sin"
• "If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One"

We recognize that John is writing to a group (or groups) of people who are already believers in Jesus but who needed to be challenged to continue to confess sin and seek to live in obedience.  What we believe should make a difference in how we live!  We noticed that this passage has much to say about choice - choice to live in darkness or live in the light; choice to confess sin or not.  We also noticed the attitude of Jesus as we approach him with confession - he is not condemning but rather 'faithful and just' and longing to forgive!

Question for you: what other passages of Scriptures can you suggest that affirm and expand what John is saying to us in this text? (Hint - check out some Romans passages!)  Feel free to send along a comment with your thoughts. 

Our memory verse for this week is:  1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."