Aug 14, 2006
1 John 1:9: What Is Confession Really?
"So, what gives you the right to judge me?!" When it comes to strained relationships, this phrase, whether spoken or only in our thoughts, oftentimes tends to be foremost in our minds. Not surprisingly, since we all are sinners who "mirror" that marred nature before one another. However, there is One to whom we may not rightfully be justified in asking that question. The holy God Himself holds the only true claim as the ultimate Judge of sinful creatures such as us. Therefore, we should be in no way surprised to find in 1 John 1:9 the necessity of "confession" of our sins before our God, who cannot tolerate sin. However, because of Christ's wrath ending sacrifice on our behalf, God the Judge justifiably becomes the merciful, forgiving God, cleansing those who trust in His Son (see 1 John 1:7):
ἐὰν ὁμολογῶμεν τὰς ἁρμαρτίας ἡμῶν, πιστός ἐστιν καὶ δίκαιος ἵνα ἀφῇ ἡμῖν τὰς ἁμαρτίας καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀδικίας.
"If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from every unrighteousness."
So, what does it mean to "confess" our sins? According to the etymology of the Greek word found here: ὁμολογῶμεν, confession means "to agree with" God. A compound word made up of ὁμο- ("homo" = same, e.g., homo-genous, homo-sexual) and the Greek root word λόγος ( = word or thing), the Greek word translated "confess" literally means "to say the same thing" or "to agree." So, a clearer rendering of our verse would be:
"If we should agree (with God about) our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from every unrighteousness."
Go to: "It's All Greek to YOU!" (Wermuth's Greek Blog)
Posted by Robert Wermuth at 22:20:41 |
Article Path: Home: Greek Gleanings: 1 John 1:9: What Is Confession Really?
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Hey Mr. Wermuth, Looks like you have done your homework. The guy that’s helping you must be pretty good! It’s looking totally awesome.
Sincerely,
Clayton
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