The attempt made to redefine the word “sin” in 1 John 1:9 is part of the efforts to discredit the truth of what that Scripture says. The Greek word translated sin in 1 John 1:9 is “Harmatia”, which also means to miss the mark, be mistaken, to err, to do or go wrong. It also means that which is done wrong, sin, an offence, or a violation of the divine law in thought or in act. Thus, if we know the meaning of the word “sin” used in 1 John 1:9, there is no way we can claim that it does not refer to sins committed in thought or in deed. The very definition of the word says that it includes those.
To neglect the true meanings of the word sin as found in this Scripture, and attempt to redefine it to exclusively refer to “our sinful state on account of Adam’s sin, which must be confessed only once” is linguistically improper and theologically erroneous. Linguistically improper because words have distinct meanings, and we can’t just redefine them when we think their very meanings undermine our personal doctrines. Theologically erroneous because John was emphatic that he wrote 1 John 1:9 to Christians (part 1 of this study), and Scriptures do not refer to Christians as sinners on account of Adam’s sin.
When a Christian sins, it is not Adam’s sin that is making them sin, for the Bible says that we are no longer slaves of sin, not even Adam’s sin, on account of Jesus’ death and Resurrection (Read Romans 6). Rather, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust (not Adam’s). Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death (James 1:14-15). Again, the Christian sins when he makes the choice not to walk in faith, for “whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). How many times might these things happen to a Christian in the course of his life? The Bible gives the answer: “For in many things we offend (i.e. err, sin) (James 3:2). How then can we ever conclude that 1 John 1:9 was meant to be a one time event for Christians? Rather, it makes receiving of forgiveness conditional on confessing of our sins when we sin (1 John 1:9). Therefore, run to God and confess your sin whenever you sin in order to receive His forgiveness, unless you believe the lie that the one time you stumbled, is the one and only time you have and will ever stumble – a sin which in itself should be confessed and repented of.
Kwadwo Omari, PhD
August 6, 2019