1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
What 1 John 1:9 means
The grounds for forgiveness are unexpected: God is described as *faithful and just* in forgiving, not merely merciful. Forgiveness is not God bending his own standards but keeping his promise, on the basis of what Christ has done.
That is what makes the verse steadying for people who confess the same thing repeatedly. The outcome does not depend on the intensity of your sorrow, and ‘all unrighteousness’ does not leave a remainder.
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Questions about 1 John 1:9
What does 1 John 1:9 mean?
It means that when we admit our sins to God, he forgives them and cleanses us completely — and that he does so faithfully and justly, because of Christ.
Why does it say God is ‘just’ to forgive?
Because forgiveness is not an exception to justice. Christ has already borne the sin, so God is being both faithful to his promise and just in pardoning those who confess.