New Eyes for an Age-old Verse
To whoever will listen I have been forever trying to explain the significance of the connecting words in the Bible (a concept I learned in one of my seminary courses that has permanently changed the way I read the Bible). Using 1 John 1:9 to illustrate my point let me say a couple things in preparation. If you were raised "in the church" like me, this verse may require a fresh set of eyes so that its significance does not become blasé. Second, if you have not had the privilege of pondering the greatness of this verse, please listen; it's too important to miss.
Besides being one of the most memorized passages in the Bible, 1 John 1:9 has three separate connecting words that paint the perfect picture of a fantastic spiritual truth (and I'm going to add a fourth because I think it is valid). If we confess our sins, [then] he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Here's why the bolded words are so important.
- The "if/then" is basically a cause & effect principle: A cause is WHY something happens, an effect is WHAT happens. In this case, sin against a holy God creates required confession and the promised effect of that confession is forgiveness. Can I get an AMEN?!
- The word "and," used twice in this verse, is of equal important.
- First, we're told God is faithful to his promise of forgiveness AND just in that he agrees to allow Christ's death to atone for our sins (to make amends for an offender; to bring into unity with another). This "and" demonstrates the necessary precedent required not just for our initial salvation but for our ongoing sanctification (the gradual, growing, lived-out righteousness that takes place daily in the life of every believer).
- Second, not only is God faithful and just in his forgiveness but equal to the forgiving is a promised cleansing from ALL unrighteousness. Another AMEN please!
The staggering and glorious reality of this verse hit me square between the eyes today. I hope it has the same affect on you.