Devotionals

Eternally Righteous in Christ

by Michael Edwards 
08/04/25
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1 John 1:9 (NASB), Colossians 1:13-14 (NASB), Romans 5:1 (NASB), Hebrews 10:10-14 (NASB), John 16:8-10 (NASB)

1 John 1:9 (NASB) declares, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Some believe Christians must seek forgiveness for each sin, yet Hebrews 10:10-14 (NASB) teaches that “by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” Christ’s sacrifice was once for all, not repeated with each sin, securing eternal forgiveness for believers.

The context of 1 John likely addresses Gnostics, who denied sin’s reality or Christ’s incarnation. Thus, 1 John 1:9 urges unbelievers to confess their sins and trust Christ, entering the “light” of fellowship (1 John 1:7, NASB). For believers, Colossians 1:13-14 (NASB) affirms, “He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” This transfer is complete upon faith in Christ.

Jesus taught in John 16:8-10 (NASB), “And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me; and regarding righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you (believer) no longer are going to see Me; and regarding judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” These verses make it clear that the Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers of the sin of unbelief, not believers of their sins. It is Satan that accuses us of our sins. For believers, the Holy Spirit convicts believers of their righteousness in Christ, reinforcing our identity as forgiven, holy, and sanctified (Romans 5:1, NASB; Hebrews 10:14, NASB). We are no longer sinners but righteous in our born-again spirit, sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, NASB). Our righteousness in Christ does not come and go, it is for eternity.

Thus, 1 John 1:9 invites unbelievers to confess and believe while reminding believers of our secured forgiveness. We can confess sins if we feel led, but not to earn forgiveness. Instead, we rest in our identity in Christ through faith. The Holy Spirit assures us of this standing, convicting us of our righteousness in Christ, not our failures as John 16:8-10 states. Let us live confidently in this truth, anchored in Christ’s finished work.

Father, thank You for complete forgiveness and righteousness through Christ. May Your Spirit remind me of my identity in Him. Amen.

Read more New Covenant Studies HERE.