Is 1 John 1:9 a Bridge or a Barrier? | Andrew Farley

EPIC: High-Impact Truths in the New Testament – Part 18

Some of the most high-impact truths in the New Testament are found in 1 John, where John brilliantly contrasts the darkness of unbelief with the light of being in Christ.

Take the infamous 1 John 1:9 – often misused as a “bar of soap” for believers to maintain forgiveness and fellowship with God. The religious world keeps treating this verse like a revolving door of confession for Christians, but what if it’s actually a bridge for unbelievers to cross into salvation?

Join me as we dive into this passage and uncover its true context as an invitation for those who haven’t yet embraced the truth. This fresh perspective might just transform your understanding of fellowship and forgiveness!

Discussion Questions for 1 John:

1. Read 1 John 1:1-4. Why does John mention so many physical words? In verses 3-4, why specifically is he proclaiming that Jesus is physical?

2. Read 1 John 1:5. Is there any darkness in God? As a believer, are you in Him or are you in the darkness? Explain why this is important to the whole passage.

3. Read 1 John 1:6-7. How do these two verses contrast an unsaved person and a believer?

4. Read 1 John 1:8-10. How do verses 8 and 10 do the same as verses 6 and 7 in contrasting an unsaved person and a believer? Why is this a big deal in interpreting verse 9 in the middle?

5. Read 1 John 1:9. How is this the “bridge” that invites the unbeliever to come to their senses and be saved? If they do, what will be the benefit mentioned here?

6. Read 1 John 2:12. What does this say about the believer’s forgiveness? How does this lend further support to a healthy interpretation of 1 John 1:9?

7. Read 1 John 2:13-14. Why do you think John keeps talking about us “knowing Him”?

8. Read verse 14 again. What about “the word of God abides in you”? How does this phrase help us better understand who John really meant in 1 John 1:10?


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