Receive
It may be one of the most well-known verses on confession and forgiveness in all of Scripture, but what does 1 John 1:9 mean? And how can it impact the way you live both day to day and from here to eternity? As you consider this Bible verse phrase by phrase, may this crucial statement penned by Jesus’ disciple, John, become a reality to you. 1. If we confess . . . 2. . . . . our sin . . . 3. . . . He is faithful and just . . . 4. . . . and will forgive our sin . . . 5. . . .and purify (cleanse) us from all unrighteousness.
How does exploring the meaning of this life-changing Bible verse help you discover God’s immeasurable love and mercy for you?
What could your next step toward learning more and receiving God’s forgiveness look like?
Reflect
* Why is fellowship with God and others, which is mentioned in 1 John 1:1–4 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A1-4&version=NIV ), so special and vital?
* Based on 1 John 1:5–7 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A5-7&version=NIV ), why are believers called to walk in the light?
* According to 1 John 1:8–10 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A8-10&version=NIV ), how does God respond when we confess our sin to Him?
* How does Jesus help us when we sin, according to 1 John 2:1–2 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202%3A1-2&version=ESV )?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Dear God, thank You that if I confess my sin to You, You are faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me. Please help me not to sin. And when I do sin, please help me to be quick to confess it to You and quick to receive Your forgiveness.”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode:
* Our Daily Bread Ministries Ambassador Program ( https://go.odb.org/ambassador-dtw )
Listen:
* When We Sin – Week 1 ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-when-we-sin-1 )
* When We Sin – Week 2 ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-when-we-sin-2 )
Read:
* Forgiveness Defined ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-forgiveness-defined )
* The Gifts of Confession ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-gifts-of-confession )
Watch:
* John 8:1-11 – Why God Hates Sin ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-why-god-hates-sin )
* Jerusalem: The Cost of Forgiveness (The Holy Land) ( https://go.odb.org/btw-holy-land-the-cost-of-forgiveness )
Discover the Word Podcast
Episode 271
July 5, 2026
★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/6718204d
★ Additional episodes: https://discovertheword.org/