SCRIPTURE 1 John 1:7-9 “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 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.”

COMMENTARY Clearly states that our continued cleansing from all sin, happens for those walking in the light and clearly reflects an ongoing process associated with our time here on earth.   But perhaps more important, it shows that our future unrighteousness was not cleansed at the cross.

This is a conditional statement. An unbeliever cannot walk in the light.  We have already discussed that we should be humble and confess our sins before God, but even if we fail, but are walking in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses up from all sin.  But those who claim this is simply relational in nature have missed two critical factors.  First, the blood of Christ is being dispensed on an ongoing basis to pay for sin since cleanseth is in the continuous present tense.  Second, the forgiveness of sins is also required for salvation. There is more here going on than a simple relational act especially when we look at other verses for example, which tell us that if we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven.

Remember that the one sin that would not forgiven, which was spiritually fatal, is blasphemy of the Spirit. Although it was paid for (1 John 2:2) is explicitly stated that it would not be forgiven; it is an eternal sin. This shows quite clearly the importance of forgiveness.