EGW Writings1 John 1
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 2
Read 1 John 1 in the Bible1 John 1:7-9
Faith and Works
Chapter 16—Accepted in Christ
FW 105.4
From these scriptures it is evident that it is not God’s will that you should be distrustful and torture your soul with the fear that God will not accept you because you are sinful and unworthy. “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8). Present your case before Him, pleading the merits of the blood shed for you upon Calvary’s cross. Satan will accuse you of being a great sinner, and you must admit this, but you can say: “I know I am a sinner, and that is the reason I need a Saviour. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin’ (1 John 1:7). ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (Verse 9). I have no merit or goodness whereby I may claim salvation, but I present before God the all-atoning blood of the spotless Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is my only plea. The name of Jesus gives me access to the Father. His ear, His heart, is open to my faintest pleading, and He supplies my deepest necessities.”Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.”—Luke 11:4.
MB 115.1
The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has to us. 1 John 4:16. Satan is working by every deception he can command, in order that we may not discern that love. He will lead us to think that our mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto our prayers and will not bless and save us. In ourselves we can see nothing but weakness, nothing to recommend us to God, and Satan tells us that it is of no use; we cannot remedy our defects of character. When we try to come to God, the enemy will whisper, It is of no use for you to pray; did not you do that evil thing? Have you not sinned against God and violated your own conscience? But we may tell the enemy that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. When we feel that we have sinned and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray. Ashamed we may be and deeply humbled, but we must pray and believe. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15. Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ its foundation for bestowal.MB 116.1
We should not try to lessen our guilt by excusing sin. We must accept God’s estimate of sin, and that is heavy indeed. Calvary alone can reveal the terrible enormity of sin. If we had to bear our own guilt, it would crush us. But the sinless One has taken our place; though undeserving, He has borne our iniquity. “If we confess our sins,” God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Glorious truth!—just to His own law, and yet the Justifier of all that believe in Jesus. “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy.” Micah 7:18.Prayer
“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.” Luke 11:4.
Pr 298.3
The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has to us. 1 John 4:16. Satan is working by every deception he can command, in order that we may not discern that love. He will lead us to think that our mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto our prayers and will not bless and save us. In ourselves we can see nothing but weakness, nothing to recommend us to God, and Satan tells us that it is of no use; we cannot remedy our defects of character. When we try to come to God, the enemy will whisper, It is of no use for you to pray; did not you do that evil thing? Have you not sinned against God and violated your own conscience? But we may tell the enemy that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. When we feel that we have sinned and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray. Ashamed we may be and deeply humbled, but we must pray and believe. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15. Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ its foundation for bestowal.Pr 299.1
We should not try to lessen our guilt by excusing sin. We must accept God’s estimate of sin, and that is heavy indeed. Calvary alone can reveal the terrible enormity of sin. If we had to bear our own guilt, it would crush us. But the sinless One has taken our place; though undeserving, He has borne our iniquity. “If we confess our sins,” God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Glorious truth!—just to His own law, and yet the Justifier of all that believe in Jesus. “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy.” Micah 7:18.Selected Messages Book 3
Chapter 22—Emphasis on Salvation Theme—1890-1908
3SM 196.4
What If We Sin After We Have Been Forgiven?—1892—It is the Holy Spirit that imparts repentance to us. Jesus draws us to Himself through the agency of His divine Spirit; and through faith in His blood we are cleansed from sin: “for the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (Verse 9).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 64, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, par. 25
“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:9-11. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 22, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, par. 25
It is too late for us to stand on our dignity. There are those who while they think that it is perfectly proper for others to confess their mistakes, think that their position makes it impossible for them to confess their mistakes. My brethren, if you expect your sins to be blotted out by the blood of Christ, you must confess them. If your brethren have a knowledge of your errors, if your position has given wideness to your influence, it is all the more necessary that you make a full confession. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:7-9.] Let our sins go beforehand to judgment, that they may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 97, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 34
Shall we look at our sins, and begin to mourn, and say, I have done wrong, and I cannot come to God with any degree of confidence? Does not the Bible say, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”? [1 John 1:9.] It is a proper thing for us to have a realization of the terrible character of sin. It was sin that caused Christ to suffer an ignominious death on Calvary. But while we should understand that sin is a terrible thing, yet we should not listen to the voice of our adversary, who says, “You have sinned, and you have no right to claim the promises of God.” You should say to the adversary, “It is written, If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] I am so glad that God has made a provision whereby we may know that He does pardon our transgressions. We do not believe in God as we should, and I have thought that this unbelief is our greatest sin.10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 47
“And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; here by know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself so to walk even as He walked.” [1 John 1:7-9; 2:1-6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 149, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 149, 1897, par. 12
The gospel commission is entrusted to men to be executed by those who know the inward working of the Spirit, and who have the attributes of Christ. Christ’s breath is breathed upon them, and He says to them, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” [John 20:22.] All who are thus inspired by God have a work to do for the churches. Christ’s representatives, the ministers of the grace of God may say to others, “It is written,” “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] This is remission of sins in accordance with the Word of God.12LtMs, Ms 149, 1897, par. 17
“If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” “My little children, these things write I unto you that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 1:7-9; 2:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 85, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 85, 1898, par. 6
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:7-9.] “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today: lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” [Hebrews 3:12, 13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 29, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 29, 1899, par. 8
This work of repentance has not been done. Be zealous therefore and repent. There are sins unconfessed, sins unrepented of, sins unforgiven. We need to confess our faults one to another, praying one for another that they may be forgiven and healed. “If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:7-9.]1 John 1:8
Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
True Sanctification
LS 84.3
The words of John came forcibly to my mind, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8. I was shown that those who triumphantly claim to be sinless, show by their very boasting that they are far from being without taint of sin. The more clearly fallen man comprehends the character of Christ, the more distrustful will he be of himself, and the more imperfect will his works appear to him, in contrast with those which marked the life of the spotless Redeemer. But those who are far from Jesus, those whose spiritual perceptions are so clouded by error that they cannot comprehend the character of the great Exemplar, conceive of Him as altogether such a one as themselves, and dare to talk of their own perfection of holiness. But they are far from God; they know little of themselves, and less of Christ.The Upward Look
Christ Is Our Only Hope, February 8
UL 53.4
There is no one, however earnestly he may be striving to do his best, who can say, “I have no sin.” He who would say this would be under a dangerous deception. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). How then can we escape the charge, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting”? We are to look to Christ. At infinite cost, He has covenanted to be our representative in the heavenly courts, our Advocate before God.—Manuscript 23, February 8, 1906, “A God of Knowledge by Whom Actions Are Weighed.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 23, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, par. 10
If we are uncleansed by the blood of Christ, we are altogether wanting. We know that there is no one, however earnestly he may be striving to do his best, who can say, “I have no sin.” He who would say this would be under a dangerous deception. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [1 John 1:8.] How then can we escape the charge, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting”? [Daniel 5:27.] We are to look to Christ. At infinite cost He has covenanted to be our representative in the heavenly courts, our Advocate before God.1 John 1:8-9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 25, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 25, 1886, par. 1
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8, 9.4LtMs, Ms 25, 1886, par. 4
Sanctification is not the work of a moment, but of a lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight of feeling, but is the result of constantly dying to sin, and constantly believing and living to Christ, practicing the virtues of Christ. The law shows us the defects in our character, and then God promises that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [Verse 9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 15, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 15, 1888, par. 16
“But as He who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written, Be ye holy for I am holy.” [1 Peter 1:15, 16.] “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:8, 9.] “Who is a wise man and endowed with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter strife and envying in your hearts glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above but is earthly, sensual, devilish; for where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom which cometh from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy; and the fruit of peace is sown in them that make peace.” [James 3:13-18.] Let our churches humble themselves with deep heart-searching, putting those things which have grieved the Spirit of God away from hearts, away from families, and away from churches.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 8, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 8, 1902, par. 31
Although the sinner cannot himself in any way meet the charge of disloyalty to God’s law, he may by faith accept Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, his Suretyship, and be pardoned. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” “And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 1:8, 9; 2:1, 2.]1 John 1:8-10
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 55—Transformed by Grace
AA 562.2
Let those who feel inclined to make a high profession of holiness look into the mirror of God’s law. As they see its far-reaching claims, and understand its work as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, they will not boast of sinlessness. “If we,” says John, not separating himself from his brethren, “say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8, 10, 9.From Trials to Triumph
True Sanctification Is a Lifework
TT 295.3
Let those who feel inclined to make a high profession of holiness look into the mirror of God’s law. As they understand its work as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, they will not boast of sinlessness. “If,” says John, “we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8, 10, 9.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 108, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 108, 1897, par. 32
There is only one way in which souls can be tested and tried and proved. The test of obedience is deeds, brethren, not profession. Deeds mark all God’s faithful ones. “If we say we have no sin, ... we make Him a liar.” [1 John 1:8, 10.] God is holy, and it is with Him that we have to deal. Hopeless indeed would be our condition if in His great mercy God had not made known unto us the precious truth. “If we confess our sins, He faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [Verse 9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 171, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 171, 1904, par. 5
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:8-10.]1 John 1:9
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 13—Two Worshipers
COL 158.1
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord says, “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God.” “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you.” 1 John 1:9; Jeremiah 3:13; Ezekiel 36:25.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Christ Our Righteousness
GW92 411.1
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]GW92 413.3
Come to Jesus, and receive rest and peace. You may have the blessing even now. Satan suggests that you are helpless, and cannot bless yourself. It is true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: “I have a risen Saviour. In him I trust, and he will never suffer me to be confounded. In his name I triumph. He is my righteousness, and my crown of rejoicing.” Let no one here feel that his case is hopeless; for it is not. You may see that you are sinful and undone; but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled; for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! his arms are open to receive us, and his great heart of love is waiting to bless us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 20, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 20, 1899, par. 2
“How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” [Matthew 18:12-14.] “In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty: he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” [Zephaniah 3:16, 17.] This is the interest that the heavenly universe manifests for the souls that have broken away from Satan’s power, and have come back to stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 13, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 13, 1899, par. 14
Is not this the reason [for] our dwarfed spirituality? Is not this the reason why we have so little faith? We live under a sense of condemnation. The time has come when it is for our eternal interest to believe in Christ. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] He is the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. He says, “I will write my law in their hearts.” [Jeremiah 31:33.] He will create in those who come to him in faith a divine principle of holiness, which shall rule in the soul, enlightening the understanding and captivating the affections.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 121, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 121, 1902, par. 2
In all your councils, there is altogether too much human wisdom manifested and too little of the wisdom that makes men wise unto salvation. I am instructed to say, Put away from the heart the sins of unbelief, selfishness, self-confidence, evil-speaking. Repent before the Lord for any wrong done in your family. Come to God; confess your evil works; confess all the wrongs that you have committed toward your brethren and sisters in the church; make all things right. “Confess your faults one to another.” [James 5:16.] Humble your hearts before God, the great Heart-searcher. To those who with full purpose of heart humble themselves before God, in an earnest desire to become true representatives of Christ, is given the promise, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 167, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 167, 1902, par. 9
Some have joined the enemy to become accusers of the brethren. How could they do this wicked thing? In thought, word, and deed they are transgressors. They have spoken words that God condemns as cruel and unjust. Remember that your words and acts are recorded in the books of heaven, and that many of them are written in the great catalogue of delinquencies. But God has promised to pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 167a, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 167a, 1902, par. 9
Some have joined the enemy to become accusers of the brethren. How could they do this wicked thing? In thought, word, and deed they are transgressors. They have spoken words that God condemns as cruel and unjust. Remember that your words and acts are recorded in the books of heaven, and that many of them are written in the great catalogue of delinquencies. But God has promised to pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 140, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 61
Shall we not receive the remedy that Christ holds out to us, the remedy that will cleanse the soul from sin? It is a shame to commit sin. The promise is, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Let us now confess our sins and put them away, that we may be vessels unto honor, and that at last we may meet the Sin-bearer with joy and not with grief.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 72, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 72, 1903, par. 4
Are you one that makes mistakes? Go to Jesus, and ask Him to forgive you, and then believe that He does. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Ask the Lord to pardon your errors. Then rejoice in Him. It will not help you in the least to keep mourning over your defects. Say, “Lord, I cast my helpless soul on Thee, and Thee alone. I will not worry, because Thou hast said, ‘Ask, and ye shall receive.’” [John 16:24.] Believe that you do receive. Believe that your Saviour is full of compassion, full of tender pity and love. Let not little mishaps trouble you. Small mistakes may be ordered by the Lord to save you from making larger mistakes.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 89, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 89, 1903, par. 12
Christ says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] To make the confession necessary may require great strength of inward principle. It may be as a crucifixion to say, I did this great evil and sinned against God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 209, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 209, 1904, par. 16
The gifts of the Spirit, the promises of pardon, of consolation, the proffers of assistance, the invitations of love—all the provisions peculiar to the gospel are for you. However sinful you may have been, God will receive you if you will now repent. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Open your cold, proud heart to the Saviour. Confess, confess your sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Confess your own sins, and leave others to confess theirs. Make everything right between your soul and God. Accept Christ’s gracious invitation. He will break the delusion that is upon your mind if you will lay hold of His strength. Will you not cease working in opposition to God? You have wrought out much on Satan’s side, yet the Lord’s hand is stretched out still. He is calling on you to repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Let your heart break; let your love go out to Him who gave His life that you might live. Let your will become submissive to the will of God. Then you will drink at a purer fountain, even the fountain of living water.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 149, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 149, 1905, par. 9
We have a most sacred, solemn truth to bear to the world. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The Lord Jesus Christ gave up His high command, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might stand at the head of the human race, to save to the uttermost all who will receive Him as their Saviour. We may cast all our care upon Him, for He has plainly shown that He cares for every one of us. He has shown the great love wherewith He loves us. He brought to the world the most elevated, ennobling truths. He has removed the barrier that separated us from God and made it possible for us to grasp His saving hand. He will cleanse us from the sins that have dishonored God. He suffered and died to make an atonement for sin, that all who repent and come to Him might receive forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] His blood was shed for the remission of sins; He obtained redemption for us by giving His life for the sin of the world. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 192, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 192, 1906, par. 11
How can the sinner be redeemed? When the conscience has been awakened to a sense of an intolerable burden of guilt, what will give a hope that outweighs all discouragement and despair? “It is Christ that died.” [Romans 8:34.] O price above all price! Rejoice, sinful one, sin is not infinite. However aggravated its character, however oppressive the guilt of conscience, there is blessed hope. “Though your sins be as scarlet,” repentant one, despair not. “They shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 2, 1914
25LtMs, Lt 2, 1914, par. 4
God is waiting to bestow the blessing of forgiveness, of pardon for iniquity, of the gift of righteousness, upon all who will believe in His love and accept the salvation He offers. Christ is ready to say to the repenting sinner, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” [Zechariah 3:4.] The blood of Jesus Christ is the eloquent plea that speaks in behalf of sinners. This blood “cleanseth from all sin.” [1 John 1:9.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Crown of Rejoicing, May 2
JNN 133.3
Come to Jesus, and receive rest and peace. You may have the blessing even now. Satan suggests that you are helpless and cannot bless yourself. It is true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: “I have a risen Saviour. In Him I trust, and He will never suffer me to be confounded. In His name I triumph. He is my righteousness and my crown of rejoicing.” Let no one here feel that his case is hopeless, for it is not. You may see that you are sinful and undone, but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Sin-Pardoning Saviour, October 30
JNN 319.1
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.—1 John 1:9Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Confession of Sin
GW 216.3
Sin of a private character is to be confessed to Christ, the only mediator between God and man. For “if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] Every sin is an offense against God, and is to be confessed to Him through Christ. Every open sin should be as openly confessed. Wrong done to a fellow-being should be made right with the one who has been offended. If any who are seeking health have been guilty of evil-speaking, if they have sowed discord in the home, the neighborhood, or the church, and have stirred up alienation and dissension, if by any wrong practice they have led others into sin, these things should be confessed before God and before those who have been offended. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Remission of Sins
GW 503.1
But there is a brighter side to the picture. “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted.” Let this thought be kept uppermost. In labor for the erring, let every eye be directed to Christ. Let the shepherds have a tender care for the flock of the Lord’s pasture. Let them speak to the erring of the forgiving mercy of the Saviour. Let them encourage the sinner to repent, and believe in Him who can pardon. Let them declare, on the authority of God’s word, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] All who repent have the assurance, “He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” [Micah 7:19.]In Heavenly Places
Robed in Christ’s Righteousness, February 14
HP 51.3
It would be a terrible thing to stand before God clothed in sinful garments, with His eye reading every secret of our lives. But through the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice we may stand before God pure and spotless, our sins atoned for and pardoned. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The redeemed sinner, clothed in the robes of Christ’s righteousness, may stand in the presence of a sin-hating God, made perfect by the merits of the Saviour.21The Review and Herald, May 5, 1910.In Heavenly Places
Trust Yourself With God, April 14
HP 111.4
Behold Christ. Dwell upon His love and mercy. This will fill the soul with abhorrence for all that is sinful and will inspire it with an intense desire for the righteousness of Christ. The more clearly we see the Saviour, the more clearly shall we discern our defects of character. Confess your sins to Christ, and with true contrition of soul cooperate with Him by putting these sins away. Believe that they are pardoned. The promise is positive, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Be assured that the word of God will not fail. He who has promised is faithful. It is as much your duty to believe that God will fulfill His word and forgive you as it is to confess your sins....In Heavenly Places
Take God’s Word on Trust, April 19
HP 116.2
Satan will come to you saying, You are a sinner. But do not let him fill your mind with the thought that, because you are sinful, God has cast you off. Say to him, Yes; I am a sinner, and for that reason I need a Saviour. I need forgiveness and pardon, and Christ says that if I come to Him I shall not perish. In His letter to me I read, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). I will believe the word He has left for me....In Heavenly Places
Trust When You Make Mistakes, April 27
HP 124.3
Do you make mistakes? Do not let this discourage you. The Lord may permit you to make small mistakes in order to save you from making larger mistakes. Go to Jesus, and ask Him to forgive you, and then believe that He does. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).48The Review and Herald, April 7, 1904.In Heavenly Places
Feelings Not a Test, April 29
HP 126.5
If you confess your sins, believe they are pardoned, because the promise is positive. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Why, then, dishonor God by doubting His pardoning love? Having confessed your sins, believe that the word of God will not fail, but that He is faithful that hath promised. It is just as much your duty to believe that God will fulfill His word and forgive your sins as it is your duty to confess your sins. Your faith must be exercised in God as one who will do just as He has said He would do—pardon all your transgressions....Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
MR No. 750—Jesus, Friend of Sinners
9MR 304.1
I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. All who are children of God have not the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we are not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God and that He no longer loves you, but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).Conflict and Courage
Too Late! April 25
CC 121.4
If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).39Selected Messages 1:352.Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 936—Ellen White and the Kellogg Crisis
12MR 62.1
Nothing Can Be Added to the Argument of the Cross—“It is Christ that died” is an argument that cannot be refuted. To it nothing can be added. To the repentant soul it is Yea and Amen. Christ leads the penitent soul upward step by step, and gives to the mind His peace. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Angels of God guard the penitent, believing soul, that evil angels may not intrude.—Letter 271, 1904, p. 3. (To Dr. J. H. Kellogg, July 29, 1904.)Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1
Chapter 4—Spiritual Influences and the Mind
1MCP 33.1
Meeting the Tempter’s Challenge—Satan will come to you saying, You are a sinner. But do not let him fill your mind with the thought that because you are sinful, God has cast you off. Say to him, Yes, I am a sinner, and for that reason I need a Saviour. I need forgiveness and pardon, and Christ says that if I come to Him I shall not perish. In His letter to me I read, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). I will believe the word He has left for me. I will obey His commands. When Satan tells you that you are lost, answer, Yes, but Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. The greater my sin, the greater my need of a Saviour.—Letter 98b, 1896Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1
Chapter 15—Emotional Factors
1MCP 126.1
Emotions Are as Changeable as Clouds—But shall we wait till we feel that we are cleansed? No; Christ has promised that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). You are proved of God through the Word of God. You are not to wait for wonderful emotions before you believe that God has heard you; feeling is not to be your criterion, for emotions are as changeable as the clouds. You must have something solid for the foundation of your faith. The word of the Lord is a word of infinite power upon which you may rely, and He has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” Look to Calvary. Has not Jesus said that He is your advocate? Has He not said that if you ask anything in His name you shall receive? You are not to depend on your own goodness or good works. You are to come depending upon the Sun of righteousness, believing that Christ has taken away your sins and imputed to you His righteousness.—The Signs of the Times, December 12, 1892. (Selected Messages 1:328.)Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2
Chapter 48—Guilt
2MCP 455.5
Do Not Lessen Guilt by Excusing Sin—We should not try to lessen our guilt by excusing sin. We must accept God’s estimate of sin, and that is heavy indeed. Calvary alone can reveal the terrible enormity of sin. If we had to bear our own guilt, it would crush us. But the sinless One has taken our place; though undeserving, He has borne our iniquity. “If we confess our sins,” God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 116 (1896).Our Father Cares
Sincere Confession Essential, March 12
OFC 83.1
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.Our High Calling
Efficacy of Christ’s Blood, February 10
OHC 47.4
Thank God that He who spilled His blood for us, lives to plead it, lives to make intercession for every soul who receives Him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. It speaketh better things than the blood of Abel, for Christ ever liveth to make intercession for us. We need to keep ever before us the efficacy of the blood of Jesus. That life-cleansing, life-sustaining blood, appropriated by living faith, is our hope. We need to grow in appreciation of its inestimable value, for it speaks for us only as we by faith claim its virtue, keeping the conscience clean and at peace with God.Our High Calling
Full Provision for Pardon, March 18
OHC 83.3
Shall we look at our sins, and begin to mourn, and say, I have done wrong, and I cannot come to God with any degree of confidence? Does not the Bible say, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”? 1 John 1:9. It is a proper thing for us to have a realization of the terrible character of sin. It was sin that caused Christ to suffer an ignominious death on Calvary. But while we should understand that sin is a terrible thing, yet we should not listen to the voice of our adversary, who says, “You have sinned, and you have no right to claim the promises of God.” You should say to the adversary, “It is written, ‘If any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous’ (1 John 2:1).” ...Prayer
Chapter 11—Answered Prayer
Pr 114.4
The Prayer for Forgiveness Is Always Answered at Once—In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4. And “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.—(The Desire of Ages, 266.)Prayer
Chapter 23—Prayer for Forgiveness
Pr 238.1
The Prayer for Forgiveness Is Always Answered Immediately—When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4. And “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.—(The Desire of Ages, 266.)Counsels for the Church
Chapter 5—Christ Our Righteousness
CCh 47.1
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.CCh 48.4
Come to Jesus, and receive rest and peace. You may have the blessing even now. Satan suggests that you are helpless and cannot bless yourself. It is true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: “I have a risen Saviour. In Him I trust, and He will never suffer me to be confounded. In His name I triumph. He is my righteousness and my crown of rejoicing.” Let no one here feel that his case is hopeless, for it is not. You may see that you are sinful and undone, but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us.Reflecting Christ
We Are Complete in Christ, March 3
RC 76.1
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 18—Special Appeals in Public Ministry
1SM 147.3
I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were quickly filled and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins, and the Lord had pledged His word, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 32—The Righteousness of Christ in the Law
1SM 240.4
The law and the gospel are in perfect harmony. Each upholds the other. In all its majesty the law confronts the conscience, causing the sinner to feel his need of Christ as the propitiation for sin. The gospel recognizes the power and immutability of the law. “I had not known sin, but by the law,” Paul declares (Romans 7:7). The sense of sin, urged home by the law, drives the sinner to the Saviour. In his need man may present the mighty arguments furnished by the cross of Calvary. He may claim the righteousness of Christ; for it is imparted to every repentant sinner. God declares, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 49—Surrender and Confession
1SM 326.1
But in repenting of sin we need not go into a cell, as did Luther, imposing penances upon ourselves to expiate our iniquity, thinking by so doing to gain the favor of God. The question is asked: “Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:7, 8). The psalmist says, “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17). John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). The only reason that we have not remission of sin is that we have not acknowledged to Him whom we have wounded by our transgressions, whom we have pierced by our sins, that we are at fault, and in need of mercy. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul will find its way to the heart of infinite pity; for the Lord is nigh unto him that is of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.1SM 328.2
But shall we wait till we feel that we are cleansed?—No; Christ has promised that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). You are proved of God through the Word of God. You are not to wait for wonderful emotions before you believe that God has heard you, feeling is not to be your criterion, for emotions are as changeable as the clouds. You must have something solid for the foundation of your faith. The word of the Lord is a word of infinite power, upon which you may rely, and He has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” Look to Calvary. Has not Jesus said that He is your advocate? Has He not said that if you ask anything in His name you shall receive? You are not to depend on your own goodness or good works. You are to come depending upon the Sun of Righteousness, believing that Christ has taken away your sins and imputed to you His righteousness.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 54—The Subject Presented in 1883
1SM 350.1
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).1SM 352.3
Come to Jesus, and receive rest and peace. You may have the blessing even now. Satan suggests that you are helpless, and cannot bless yourself. It is true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: “I have a risen Saviour. In Him I trust, and He will never suffer me to be confounded. In His name I triumph. He is my righteousness, and my crown of rejoicing.” Let no one here feel that his case is hopeless; for it is not. You may see that you are sinful and undone; but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled; for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 62—Justified by Faith
1SM 395.2
Christ alone is able to do this, for “in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17, 18). Reconciliation means that every barrier between the soul and God is removed, and that the sinner realizes what the pardoning love of God means. By reason of the sacrifice made by Christ for fallen men, God can justly pardon the transgressor who accepts the merits of Christ. Christ was the channel through which the mercy, love, and righteousness might flow from the heart of God to the heart of the sinner. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).Selected Messages Book 3
Basic Elements Presented at the 1883 General Conference
3SM 152.4
It may seem to you that you are sinful and undone; but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled; for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! his arms are open to receive us, and his great heart of love is waiting to bless us.—The Review and Herald, July 1, 1884.Selected Messages Book 3
Need Not Always Kneel
3SM 267.3
Crowded Congregation in Europe Remained Seated—I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were quickly filled and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins, and the Lord had pledged His word, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).—Diary, February 20, 1887. (Published in Selected Messages 1:147.)Steps to Christ
Chapter 4—Confession
SC 41.2
The humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance, will appreciate something of the love of God and the cost of Calvary; and as a son confesses to a loving father, so will the truly penitent bring all his sins before God. And it is written, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
Chapter 5—The Christian Spouse’s Behavior
TSB 49.4
Are you one that makes mistakes? Go to Jesus, and ask Him to forgive you, and then believe that He does. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” [1 John 1:9]. Ask the Lord to pardon your errors, then rejoice in Him. It will not help you in the least to keep mourning over your defects. Say, “Lord, I cast my helpless soul on Thee, and Thee alone. I will not worry, because Thou hast said, ‘Ask, and ye shall receive.’” Believe that you do receive. Believe that your Saviour is full of compassion, full of tender pity and love. Let not little mishaps trouble you. Small mistakes may be ordered by the Lord to save you from making larger mistakes.Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
Chapter 25—A Literature Evangelist
TSB 164.2
God’s Patience With Sinners—The message was given Jonah to Nineveh, that in forty days it should be destroyed. Nineveh repented, and God spared the wicked city, because kings and nobles humbled themselves greatly before God, and the Lord gave Nineveh chance for repentance. If the Lord in His great mercy treats your case in a similar manner, oh, I shall be so thankful. If He grants you probation in which to manifest that repentance that needeth not to be repented of, because you see and sense the real nature of sin, that you abhor yourself because of your sin, and have an abhorrence likewise of the sin, the Lord is gracious, of pitying tenderness and loving kindness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” [1 John 1:9].Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
Chapter 41—God’s Love for the Sinner
TSB 257.3
Jesus, Friend of Sinners—I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. Not all who are children of God have the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we are not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God and that He no longer loves you, but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” [1 John 2:1]. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” [1 John 1:9].That I May Know Him
Mercy for the Repentant, August 20
TMK 238.1
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.That I May Know Him
Under the Discipline of God, August 24
TMK 242.4
It is not safe for us to close our eyes and harden our conscience so that we shall not see or realize our sins. We need to cherish the instruction we have had in regard to the hateful character of sin, in order that we may truly confess and forsake our sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Are you willing to be cleansed from all unrighteousness? ...That I May Know Him
Feelings No Evidence of Rejection, October 6
TMK 285.2
I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. All who are children of God have not the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we are not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God and that He no longer loves you, but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)....The Desire of Ages
Chapter 27—“Thou Canst Make Me Clean”
DA 266.2
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4. And “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 84—“Peace Be Unto You”
DA 806.1
But there is a brighter side to the picture. “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted.” Let this thought be kept uppermost. In labor for the erring, let every eye be directed to Christ. Let the shepherds have a tender care for the flock of the Lord’s pasture. Let them speak to the erring of the forgiving mercy of the Saviour. Let them encourage the sinner to repent, and believe in Him who can pardon. Let them declare, on the authority of God’s word, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. All who repent have the assurance, “He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19.Counsels for the Church
Conditions of Answered Prayer
CCh 304.4
The Scripture bids us, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. To the one asking for prayer, let thoughts like these be presented: “We cannot read the heart, or know the secrets of your life. These are known only to yourself and to God. If you repent of your sins, it is your duty to make confession of them.” Sin of a private character is to be confessed to Christ, the only mediator between God and man. For “if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. Every sin is an offense against God and is to be confessed to Him through Christ. Every open sin should be as openly confessed. Wrong done to a fellow being should be made right with the one who has been offended. If any who are seeking health have been guilty of evilspeaking, if they have sowed discord in the home, the neighborhood, or the church, and have stirred up alienation and dissension, if by any wrong practice they have led others into sin, these things should be confessed before God and before those who have been offended. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.The Faith I Live By
Sincere Confession Essential, May 2
FLB 128.1
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.The Ministry of Healing
God’s Promises
MH 123.2
“Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jeremiah 3:13; 1 John 1:9.The Ministry of Healing
Confession of Sin
MH 228.2
The Scripture bids us, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. To the one asking for prayer, let thoughts like these be presented: “We cannot read the heart, or know the secrets of your life. These are known only to yourself and to God. If you repent of your sins, it is your duty to make confession of them.” Sin of a private character is to be confessed to Christ, the only mediator between God and man. For “if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. Every sin is an offense against God and is to be confessed to Him through Christ. Every open sin should be as openly confessed. Wrong done to a fellow being should be made right with the one who has been offended. If any who are seeking health have been guilty of evilspeaking, if they have sowed discord in the home, the neighborhood, or the church, and have stirred up alienation and dissension, if by any wrong practice they have led others into sin, these things should be confessed before God and before those who have been offended. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.The Upward Look
Take the Cup of Salvation, April 28
UL 132.2
Are you one that makes mistakes? Go to Jesus, and ask Him to forgive you, and then believe that He does. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Ask the Lord to pardon your errors. Then rejoice in Him.The Upward Look
Our Merciful God, July 17
UL 212.2
I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. All who are children of God have not the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we are not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God, and that He no longer loves you, but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (chap. 1:9).This Day With God
Contrition, Confession, Cooperation, March 21
TDG 89.1
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.To Be Like Jesus
Good Works to Follow Revival, December 24
BLJ 376.1
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9, NKJV.Ye Shall Receive Power
Beholding Him, February 21
YRP 60.5
When the sinner sees his Saviour dying upon the cross under the curse of sin in his stead, beholding His pardoning love, love awakes in his heart. The sinner loves Christ, because Christ has first loved him, and love is the fulfilling of the law. The repenting soul realizes that God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The Spirit of God works in the believer’s soul, enabling him to advance from one line of obedience to another, reaching on from strength to greater strength, from grace to grace in Christ Jesus.—The Review and Herald, November 1, 1892.Ye Shall Receive Power
Prayer Brings Strength, December 8
YRP 351.3
Talk courage to the church; lift them up to God in prayer. Tell them that when they feel that they have sinned, and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray. Many feel humiliated at their failures, that they have been overcome by the enemy in the place of overcoming. Worldliness, selfishness, and carnality have weakened them, and they think it is no use to approach unto God; but this thought is one of the enemy’s suggestions. Ashamed they may be, and deeply humbled; but they must pray and believe. As they confess their sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive them their sins, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). Though the mind may wander in prayer, be not discouraged, bring it back to the throne, and do not leave the mercy seat until you have the victory.Faith and Works
Chapter 3—Christ Our Righteousness
FW 35.1
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).Living by Principle
Feelings
PH048 37.3
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.A New Life (Revival and Beyond)
Is There Anything Between Me and God?
NL 27.1
Christ alone is able to do this, for “in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17, 18). Reconciliation means that every barrier between the soul and God is removed, and that the sinner realizes what the pardoning love of God means. By reason of the sacrifice made by Christ for fallen men, God can justly pardon the transgressor who accepts the merits of Christ. Christ was the channel through which the mercy, love, and righteousness might flow from the heart of God to the heart of the sinner. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)....The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Diary — October 1889
1888 456.2
Attended morning ministers’ meeting. I had some things to say upon confessing. The promise is, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Here is a work for individuals to do, not only to confess their sins but to put them away. Can they do this in their own strength? No, but this work of crucifixion of self can alone be done through Jesus Christ our Sacrifice for sin. We must come to Jesus in faith and rely upon the merits of the blood of Christ.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Christ Our Righteousness
2TT 91.1
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Merits of Christ Our Only Hope
2TT 93.2
Come to Jesus, and receive rest and peace. You may have the blessing even now. Satan suggests that you are helpless, and cannot bless yourself. It is true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: “I have a risen Saviour. In Him I trust, and He will never suffer me to be confounded. In His name I triumph. He is my righteousness, and my crown of rejoicing.” Let no one here feel that his case is hopeless; for it is not. You may see that you are sinful and undone; but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled; for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us.From Heaven With Love
We Shall Recognize Our Loved Ones
HLv 536.2
But there is a brighter side. “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted.” Let this thought be uppermost. Let the shepherds speak to the erring of the forgiving mercy of the Saviour. Let them encourage the sinner to repent and believe in Him who can pardon. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Let the trembling hand of the repenting one be placed in the loving hand of Jesus. Such a remission is ratified in heaven.True Revival
Is There Anything Between Me and God?
TR 35.1
Christ alone is able to do this, for “in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17, 18). Reconciliation means that every barrier between the soul and God is removed, and that the sinner realizes what the pardoning love of God means. By reason of the sacrifice made by Christ for fallen men, God can justly pardon the transgressor who accepts the merits of Christ. Christ was the channel through which the mercy, love, and righteousness might flow from the heart of God to the heart of the sinner. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). ...True Revival
Backsliders Reclaimed in Basel
TR 89.1
I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were quickly filled and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins, and the Lord had pledged His word, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).Homeward Bound
Grace From the Saviour, March 29
HB 106.4
Let none here feel that their case is hopeless; for it is not. You may see that you are sinful and undone; but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9.) Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled; for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us.With God at Dawn
If We Confess, He Is Faithful, August 15
WGD 229.1
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.Faith and Works
Look and Live
FW 37.3
Come to Jesus, and receive rest and peace. You may have the blessing even now. Satan suggests that you are helpless and cannot bless yourself. It is true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: “I have a risen Saviour. In Him I trust, and He will never suffer me to be confounded. In His name I triumph. He is my righteousness and my crown of rejoicing.” Let no one here feel that his case is hopeless, for it is not. You may see that you are sinful and undone, but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 55, 1876
3LtMs, Lt 55, 1876, par. 4
No one would be more rejoiced to see you a thoroughly converted man than myself. I have waited, hoping and praying to see you feeling under conviction of sin. If, like Paul, you could from the heart say, “sin revived and I died” [Romans 7:9], there would be some hope for you; but as the case now stands there is nothing to build hopes upon. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 28:13, 14. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 31, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 31, 1886, par. 8
It should be our highest aim in life to get ready for heaven. Sanctification is not the work of a moment, but of a lifetime. The sinner must repent of his sin and come to Jesus for pardon. The promise is, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] “We know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him is no sin.” “Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not.” [1 John 3:5, 6.] Many are deceived on this point. Their minds are confused, and they do not know what sin is. But they can know, by studying the Word of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 14, 1885
4LtMs, Lt 14, 1885, par. 12
There is a solemn work to be done for your souls. Come to Jesus with contrition, with repentance. Come just as you are, sinful and polluted, and O plead for the salvation of your souls as you never pleaded before. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 85, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 85, 1886, par. 6
Here is where thousands are failing. They do not really believe that Jesus pardons them individually. They fail to take God at His word. He has assured us that He is faithful that hath promised to forgive us and be just to His own law. His mercy is not wanting in anything. Were there one defective link in the chain, then we are hopelessly ruined in our sins. But I would if I could sound the glad note to earth’s remotest bounds, “If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] His mercy is full. The chain is perfect in all its parts. There is not one flaw in it, not one missing link. Oh, precious redemption! Why do we not bring this great truth more fully into our lives? How broad it is that God for Christ’s sake forgives us—me, even me—the moment we ask Him to, in living faith, believing that He is fully able to do this. He delights in mercy. Glorious truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Just to His own law and yet the Justifier of all them that believe. Well may we exclaim with the prophet, “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy.” [Micah 7:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 2, 1883
4LtMs, Ms 2, 1883, par. 13
God has chosen men and women as instrumentalities through which to work. It is His purpose that divine power and human endeavor shall unite. God is willing to teach all who come to Him in simplicity and faith. Have your sins separated you from God? What saith the Scriptures? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Do you believe that God will do as He says? Then act your faith.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 14, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 14, 1888, par. 3
Now, Brother Burke, if it were possible for you to connect with the Health Retreat and everything could move harmoniously, gladly would we welcome you back. But your experience since leaving the Health Retreat has not been of a character to increase our confidence in you as a man who is walking in the counsel of God. We could hope for no better success in harmonizing with Dr. Gibbs in his methods of practice or in your respect for him than when you before were connected with him. You were not right then; you did not treat him right. You are no nearer right now. We have labored hard, with much meditation, with earnest prayer and decided effort, to set things in order. Confessions have been made by the erring, and the Lord, we believe, has seen the contrition of soul and accepted these confessions. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 29, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 29, 1887, par. 26
In the afternoon of the Sabbath [February 19] we assembled again for social meeting. The blessing of the Lord rested upon me as I again addressed the people for a short time. Every seat was full, and extra seats were brought in. All listened with deep interest. I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were quickly filled, and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins. The Lord has pledged His word, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 11, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 2
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” [Proverbs 28:13.] “Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” [Verse 14.] “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” [Psalm 32:1, 2.] “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquities have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord: and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” [Verse 5.] It is not safe to do as did Saul—walk contrary to the Lord’s commandments and then say, “I have performed the commandment of the Lord” [1 Samuel 15:13], stubbornly refusing to confess the sin of disobedience. Saul’s stubbornness made his case hopeless. We see that others are following his example. The Lord sends words of reproof in mercy to save them, but they will not submit to be corrected. They insist that they have done no wrong, thus resisting the Spirit of God. The Lord declares through Samuel, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken, than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou has rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” [Verses 22, 23.] The stubborn heart is thus presented in the case of Saul to warn every soul who is in danger of doing as he did.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 38, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 38, 1887, par. 3
“If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” 1 John 2:1. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 20, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 8
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Here again is a conditional promise. Will we claim it? You need wisdom that you may not err in your confessions of sin. Jesus, your Saviour, is to be your confessor. There are some sins that are to be confessed to men. If we have wronged another, we are to make confession to him. Have we injured or defrauded our neighbor? We should not only confess the sin, but make restitution. The work which you have to do on your part is plainly set before you. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.] “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.” [Ezekiel 33:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 22, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 22, 1889, par. 17
Attended morning ministers’ meeting. I had some things to say upon confessing. The promise is, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Here is a work for individuals to do, not only to confess their sins but to put them away. Can they do this in their own strength? No, but this work of crucifixion of self can alone be done through Jesus Christ, our Sacrifice for sin. We must come to Jesus in faith and rely upon the merits of the blood of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 31, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 31, 1890, par. 5
Your life may look to you to be full of mistakes; but what if there are mistakes. Jesus knows all about the trials, the weaknesses of humanity, and He has placed on record the most precious promises: “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 2:1; 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 19, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, par. 2
My brethren, we are living in a most solemn period of this earth’s history. There is never time to sin; it is always perilous to continue in transgression; but in a special sense is this true at the present time. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world and stand in a more solemn relation to time and to eternity than ever before. Now let every person search his own heart and plead for the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness to expel all spiritual darkness and cleanse from defilement. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 46, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 46, 1891, par. 12
Now I have borne a decided message to those connected with the sanitarium. Dr. Burke has refused to hear or receive counsel of God. You have followed his example. I am sorry for you both. But your position is no more than can be expected by the part that has been borne in harmonizing with the ungodly elements, and having no conscientious tender regard for those who have for years devoted their life to the service of God. They have erred, they have been reproved, they have received reproof, they have humbled their hearts before God, and the promise is fulfilled to them, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 38, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 38, 1893, par. 7
Now, my brother, ask Christ to forgive you for the sins of the past. He says He will pardon the sins of all those who believe in Him. If you will follow the instructions that John has given, you may have the evidence that your sins are pardoned. He says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Precious promise!Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 71, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 71, 1893, par. 7
It is not safe for us to close our eyes and harden our consciences that we shall not see or realize our sins. We need to cherish the instruction we have had in regard to the hateful character of sin in order that we may repent of and confess our sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,”—now mark the following words—“and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Are you willing to be cleansed? Is it your purpose to press forward (but not in your own human strength) toward the mark of the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus? Keep the fear of the Lord ever before you. Your only hope is in making Jesus your counsellor.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 14, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 14, 1893, par. 8
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] While in Napier, I bore a decided testimony in regard to the way canvassers should do their work. I told them what they had done and what they should do in order to be approved of God; but Louie Christie did not clear himself in this matter at the camp meeting. I knew him to be one of the number I had seen in connection with the work at the office in North Fitzroy. He is one who will seek the society of young girls at every opportunity, and they will be foolish enough to be diverted from their interest in the meetings in order to be in his society. When he was accepted as a canvasser, I thought that I would wait and see whether or not he would make decided changes in his habits of life. I knew that he had capabilities, and that some features of his character were admirable, and if he did manifest true repentance and make reformation, I would not desire to present his case at that time; but the matter can be delayed no longer, and I fear it has been delayed too long as it is.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 95, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 95, 1893, par. 4
The message was given Jonah to Nineveh, that in forty days it should be destroyed. Nineveh repented, and God spared the wicked city, because kings and nobles humbled themselves greatly before God, and the Lord gave Nineveh chance for repentance. If the Lord in His great mercy treats your case in a similar manner, O, I shall be so thankful. If He grants you probation in which to manifest that repentance that needeth not to be repented of, because you see and sense the real nature of sin, that you abhor yourself because of your sin, and have an abhorrence likewise of the sin, the Lord is gracious, of pitying tenderness and loving kindness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]God’s Amazing Grace
The Gift of Pardon, May 11
AG 139.6
You may see that you are sinful and undone; but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled; for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us.35Selected Messages 1:350-353.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 41, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 41, 1893, par. 8
That you should take up with the companionship of Satan, the apostate and traitor, and do after his works, after you had the knowledge of Jesus Christ, is a mystery to the universe of heaven. It makes your sin none the less because many others have done as you have done. Your only safety is in confessing your sins to Jesus Christ your Intercessor in your behalf. Take not your weight of woe to human beings. You have one Mediator, Jesus Christ the Righteous. In contrition of soul go to Him and tell Him all your sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness ... My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ... that ye sin not.” [1 John 1:9; 2:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 10, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 10, 1893, par. 3
Looking unto Jesus, dwelling upon His virtues, mercies, and purities will <create> in the soul an utter abhorrence of that which is sinful, and an intense longing and thirsting for righteousness. The more closely we discern Jesus, the more will we see our own defects of character. Then confess these things to Jesus and with true contrition of soul co-operate with the divine power, the Holy Spirit, to put these things away. If you confess your sins, believe they are pardoned, because the promise is positive. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] <Why then, dishonor God by doubting His pardoning love, having confessed your sins?>Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 87, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 87, 1894, par. 2
Thank God that He who spilled His blood for us, lives to plead it, lives to make intercession for every soul who receives Him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. It speaketh better things than the blood of Abel, for Christ ever liveth to make intercession for us. We need to keep ever before us the efficacy of the blood of Jesus. That life cleansing, life sustaining blood, appropriated by living faith, is our hope. We need to grow in appreciation of its inestimable value, for it speaks for us only as we by faith claim its virtue, keeping the conscience clean and at peace with God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 40, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 40, 1894, par. 24
He presents the promise, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] He rejoices in the pardoning love of God, and his sincerity in the service of God, the reality of his conversion, is made manifest by the vigor of his endeavor to obey all of God’s commandments. The soul who has found the Lord will renounce every evil work, will cease to do evil and learn to do well, because Christ is formed within the hope of glory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 6, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 6, 1895, par. 11
Precious light is shining in order that we each may become doers of the word of Christ, and may diffuse the light of truth to others. As you see the standard of what you ought to be set before you, review your past experience, and remember that “Whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sins, shall find rest.” [Proverbs 28:13.] “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] For Christ’s sake your sins may be forgiven, and may go beforehand to judgment to be “blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” [Acts 3:19.] But do not sleep now on the very brink of the eternal world. Obtain the experience where you shall hate the things which you once loved, and love that which you once hated; where you will count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 98b, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, par. 13
Satan will come to you saying, You are a sinner. But do not let him fill your mind with the thought that because you are sinful, God has cast you off. Say to him, Yes; I am a sinner, and for that reason I need a Saviour. I need forgiveness and pardon, and Christ says that if I come to Him I shall not perish. In His letter to me I read, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] I will believe the word He has left for me. I will obey His commands. When Satan tell you that you are lost, answer, Yes; but Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. The greater my sin, the greater my need of a Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 91, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, par. 15
Well may our hearts turn to our Redeemer with the most perfect trust when we think of what He has done for us, even when we were sinners. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Through faith we may rest in His love. “Whosoever cometh unto me,” He says, “I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:37.] It would be a terrible thing to stand before God clothed in sinful garments, with His eye reading every secret of our lives. But through the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice we may stand before God pure and spotless, with our sins pardoned and atoned for. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 49, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, par. 1
I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. All who are children of God have not the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God; and that He no longer loves you; but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9; 2:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 96, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 96, 1897, par. 1
You are dear to the heart of God. He loves you and will not leave you to perish. I know His everlasting arms are beneath thee. Am writing letter for you. John 14:1, 27, 18; Hebrews 2:17, 18; Ephesians 2:4-6; 1 John 1:9.1 John 1:9-10
Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
Chapter 20—A Long-Standing Adventist and His Mistress
TSB 140.2
The Lord has said, “Come now, and let us reason together: ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” [Isaiah 1:18]. “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” [Isaiah 55:6, 7]. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” [1 John 1:9, 10].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 23a, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 23a, 1890, par. 12
The Lord has said, “Come, let us reason together; ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is nigh. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7.] “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:9, 10.]1 John 1:10
Homeward Bound
Reaching Out After God, March 20
HB 97.5
Let those who feel inclined to make a high profession of holiness look into the mirror of God’s law. As they see its far-reaching claims, and understand its work as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, they will not boast of sinlessness. “If we,” says John, not separating himself from his brethren, “say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10.) . . .EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
1 John 1:7
Ye Shall Receive Power
In Moments of Despair, May 4
YRP 133.3
Jesus is our atoning sacrifice; we can make no atonement for ourselves, but by faith we can accept the atonement that has been made. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18, 19). “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). It is by virtue of this precious blood that the sin-stricken soul can be restored to soundness. While you are putting up your petition to God, the Holy Spirit applies the faithful promises of God to your heart.Ye Shall Receive Power
Earnest to Give the Final Warning, May 29
YRP 158.3
When God’s people humble the soul before Him, individually seeking His Holy Spirit with all the heart, there will be heard from human lips such a testimony as is represented in this Scripture: “After these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory” (Revelation 18:1). There will be faces aglow with the love of God, there will be lips touched with holy fire, saying, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 24, 1873
2LtMs, Lt 24, 1873, par. 6
We are very glad to receive your letters and we hope that you will continue to write. We expect to see you soon. We hope in your application to your studies you will not cease to be learners in the school of Christ. “Walk in the light.” [1 John 1:7.] Walking denotes activity. You must not become dwarfed in religious growth. Press to the mark for the prize. If you want your faith to increase you must exercise it. You can grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Christ’s Followers the Light of the World
GW92 437.2
The Lord is waiting to bestow rich blessing upon us if we will only comply with the conditions. We cannot glorify him while we cherish doubt. We must believe that he will do just what he has said he would. Remember that we have a living Saviour. If you do not feel light-hearted and joyous, do not dishonor God by talking of your feelings. Talk of the promises, talk of Jesus’ willingness to bless; and before you are aware of it, the cloud will lift, light will come into the soul, and you will find peace and rest in Jesus. Cherish love. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” [Romans 12:10.] Form a habit of speaking words of cheerful hope and courage, words of love and appreciation, that will bind hearts together. “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 121, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 121, 1886, par. 2
Bright hopes become those who have such a Saviour. We should not have sadness and gloom and painful sympathies for our supposed afflictions and hardships. Humbled we may be ever because of our sinfulness, and because we have grieved the Saviour, but glad that we can believe that Jesus has promised to forgive the sins of the contrite heart, and that these sins through Jesus Christ shall be blotted from the book of His remembrance. Now why should we not be the most grateful of mortals that such an ample sacrifice, in infinite mercy, has been made in our behalf? Let these words be on our lips, if we have complied with the conditions laid down in the Word of God, “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 25b, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 25b, 1892, par. 13
The chosen people of God have lost their first love. Without this all their profession of faith will not save a soul from death. Suppose the attention should be turned away from every difference of opinion, and we should heed the counsel of the True Witness. When God’s people humble the soul before Him, individually seeking his Holy Spirit with all the heart, there will be heard from human lips such a testimony as is represented in this Scripture, “After these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.” [Revelation 18:1.] There will be faces aglow with the love of God; there will be lips touched with holy fire, saying, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.]7LtMs, Lt 25b, 1892, par. 15
The apostle, speaking to Christian believers called by God’s grace, says, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.] Here are conditions plainly stated. If we walk in the light as He is in the light, the sure result will follow: we shall have fellowship one with another. All jealousies and envyings and evil surmisings will be put away. We shall live as in the sight of God. It has become altogether too common to indulge our hereditary tendencies and natural inclinations, even in our religious life. These can never bring peace and love into the soul, for they always lead us away from God, away from His light. “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 32a, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 32a, 1894, par. 13
God waits to bestow the blessing of forgiveness of sins, of pardon for iniquity, of the gift of righteousness upon all who will believe in His love and accept of His salvation. Christ is ready to say to the repenting sinner, “Take away the filthy garments from him ... Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments.” “Thus saith the Lord of hosts; if thou wilt keep my way, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these which stand by.” [Zechariah 3:4, 5, 7.] Christ is the connecting link between God and man. The blood of Jesus Christ is the eloquent plea that speaks in behalf of sinners. “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanses from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 52, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 52, 1896, par. 23
Christ is the connecting link between God and man. The blood of Jesus Christ is the eloquent plea that speaks in behalf of sinners. “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 117, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 117, 1897, par. 18
Cry unto God in your soul, longing after the righteousness of Christ, and your thoughts will be turned to the love of Christ; you will no longer desire the highest place; your soul will cry out, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” [Luke 18:13.] The response will come, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.] Stand only in God, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. I entreat you to look to Jesus. Let the Lord be your fear and your dread. Fear to offend Him. Hide self in Christ, and then you will be as humble as a child.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 71, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 71, 1901, par. 5
Christ is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. But in the work of vindicating the downtrodden law, the blood of Christ has, to a large extent, been lost sight of. Today the testimony that should be heard in every discourse is, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.] The precious Saviour is to be lifted up. The virtue of the blood of the crucified and risen Saviour is the sinner’s only hope; for it is only through the merits of the Redeemer that the sinner gains salvation. Christ has tasted death for all, that through faith in His name every man may taste and see that the Lord is good.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 122, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 122, 1905, par. 13
Tremendous is the wrath of God now hanging over the world. I call upon all in the name of Jesus Christ to take their stand on the sure foundation. Those who refuse to do this can have no part with Seventh-day Adventists. God declares, “I will be merciful to those who confess and forsake their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” [See verse 12.] “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.] This is a great and encouraging assurance. If those who have been led into transgression and sin will come to the Sin-bearer, and confess their sins, they will receive forgiveness. The efficacy of the blood of Christ is able to secure pardon. The Holy Spirit, which convinces of sin, leads the repenting, believing one to Jesus through faith in His blood. This Spirit will impart the renewing of the mind unto holiness, and the believing, pardoned one sits with Christ in heavenly places. The sanctifying influence of divine grace brings a renewing of the mind.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Righteousness By Faith
GW 161.2
That simple faith which takes God at His word should be encouraged. God’s people must have that faith which will lay hold of divine power; “for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” [Ephesians 2:8.] Those who believe that God for Christ’s sake has forgiven their sins, should not, through temptation, fail to press on to fight the good fight of faith. Their faith should grow stronger until their Christian life, as well as their words, shall declare, “The blood of Jesus Christ ... cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 172, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 172, 1906, par. 5
When the true converting power comes home to us as human agents, we see a power in God’s plans and embrace the evidence of the divine remedy for sin. “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.] I can rely wholly and unmistakably upon the sure Word of prophecy.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Our Righteousness, July 10
JNN 204.3
That simple faith which takes God at His word should be encouraged. God’s people must have that faith which will lay hold of divine power; “for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Those who believe that God for Christ’s sake has forgiven their sins, should not, through temptation, fail to press on to fight the good fight of faith. Their faith should grow stronger until their Christian life, as well as their words, shall declare, “The blood of Jesus Christ ... cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).Lift Him Up
The Complete Saviour, May 22
LHU 156.3
That simple faith which takes God at His word should be encouraged. God’s people must have that faith which will lay hold of divine power; “for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Those who believe that God for Christ’s sake has forgiven their sins, should not, through temptation, fail to press on to fight the good fight of faith. Their faith should grow stronger until their Christian life, as well as their words, shall declare, “The blood of Jesus Christ ... cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).Lift Him Up
The Greatest Object, October 8
LHU 295.1
If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7.Reflecting Christ
Revelation of God’s Glory in Humanity, July 17
RC 212.1
If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7.