What was or who was John talking to when he wrote 1John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins" and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Chapter 1 does not appear that John was speaking to believers since the beginning of the chapter does not address the readers as brothers or dear children. John may have been speaking to unbelievers; a group of gnostics who were trying to convince the brothers that Jesus didn't appear in the flesh. Chapter 1:3 indicates that John was talking to unbelievers since he states that "we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowhip with us". The "us" in this passage are the brothers (believers) in the church. This will testify that John was speaking to those who had not yet accepted the teaching of Jesus Christ. He was inviting them to become believers so that they too, could have fellowship with the father. All of our sins have have been forgiven "past, present and future".
Another thought: John was speaking to believers who sin after they are saved. Believers can sin after they are saved, but this is were repentance applies. As believers we sin and upon revelation we are to repent and thank God for forgiving us prior to our comitting sin. God is faithful; we are not faithful...If Jesus said it is finish, well, it is finish. The price has been paid. We are righteous before God regardless as to what the world say (men; and believing men).
Paul never taught that we are to ask for forgiveness of sins and we shall be saved or have fellowship with God!
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