Lesson 2: Confession 29
51:18 –19. In these verses, does the psalmist foresee the destruction of the
culture because of its lack of true worship? Or, in the manner that some
contemporary music writers rearrange old tunes, has someone added
material from exilic or post-exilic times to the earlier lines? With either
interpretation, verses 18–19 ref lect the tone and worshipful attitude of
one who has confessed and found forgiveness. This person prays for
others to do the same. The results can produce culture-wide impact.
The Need for Confession (1 John 1:9)
Reading all of 1 John can be of immeasurable help in understanding
the larger context of 1 John 1:9. John the Apostle moved among the
people of Ephesus, one of the prominent commercial and religious cen-
ters of the Hellenistic world. Some of the people ref lected a syncretistic,
or blended approach to religious life. Their beliefs included elements of
Christianity, but also of Gnosticism. John found it necessary to devote
some of his attention to these syncretists, particularly as they sowed
seeds of discord among the Christians. Some of this discord stemmed
from those who considered themselves sinless. Our contemporary expe-
rience tells us that such personalities also exude a self-righteous attitude.
1:9a. Verses 6–9 each begin with “If.” John makes a statement of
assumption, sets up an illustration, and arouses the readers’ and hear-
ers’ imaginations. The word “if ” can quickly move us from the abstract
to the concrete, which was John’s intent. He used this device to counter
the Gnostics whose inf luence majored on the ethereal.
1:9b. “If we confess our sins.” John uses irony to make his point. He
could have advised more directly, “Some of you maintain you don’t need
to confess your sins, because you believe you have no sin.” His point was
this: you have such a narrow view of human behavior and such an ego-
centric view of yourselves you think you are sinless.
1:9c. John provides a reality check. If we compare ourselves to other per-
sons we may actually believe we are sinless. If we compare ourselves to
the character of God; the f laws, the twists and turns of human perverted-
ness, and the quantifiable misdeeds, show forth in stark relief. Seek this
One, John advises, for from God comes the liberation from sin and sins.