1 John 1:10 – If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, John is driving home the point he made in the previous two verses. He’s warning against a dangerous attitude—the idea that we have not sinned. If we claim that, John says, we aren’t just lying to ourselves; we’re actually calling God a liar because He has clearly said that all people have sinned.
John is showing that denying our sin is not just a personal issue. It’s a direct attack on God’s truth. God’s word tells us that sin is real, that we are guilty, and that we need forgiveness. To deny that is to reject God’s message entirely.
This verse is sobering but necessary. It reminds us that honesty about our sin is essential to having any real relationship with God.
Historical Context
When John wrote this letter, some false teachers were spreading the idea that sin wasn’t a problem, or that once you had spiritual knowledge, sin didn’t matter. Some even claimed they were without sin.
John is confronting that lie head-on. He’s making it clear that no one is without sin, and anyone who claims otherwise is not living in the truth. Worse than that, they’re accusing God of being a liar because they’re rejecting what He has clearly said.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that acknowledging our sin is foundational to knowing God. Denying sin is not just a misunderstanding—it’s rebellion against God’s truth.
It also shows that God’s word is not just information; it’s the standard of truth. If we reject what God says about sin, we show that His word is not truly in us. There’s no middle ground.
This verse makes it clear that sin is real, that everyone is guilty, and that honesty before God is essential.
Literary Analysis
John uses strong, straightforward language here: claim, not sinned, make him out to be a liar. There’s no softening of the message. He is writing with the urgency of someone who wants his readers to wake up and see the truth.
The sentence is another clear if-then statement. If we deny our sin, then we are accusing God of lying, and His word is not in us. The structure is simple but serious.
John also uses the phrase his word is not in us, pointing to the idea that knowing God is not just about outward claims but about having His truth living inside us.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:20 – “There is no one on earth who is righteous.”
- Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper.”
- Psalm 14:3 – “All have turned away, all have become corrupt.”
- John 3:33 – Whoever rejects God’s testimony makes Him out to be a liar.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a call to humility and honesty. It reminds us that we can’t play games with God or pretend we’re better than we are. We all sin. Denying that reality doesn’t make us clean—it separates us from the truth and from God.
This verse challenges us to come before God with open hands and a truthful heart, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and grace.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, this verse may sound harsh, but it’s actually rooted in God’s love. A loving God tells us the truth about ourselves. He doesn’t let us live in comfortable lies that will ultimately destroy us.
God’s love doesn’t leave us in the dark. He exposes our sin so He can heal, forgive, and restore us. Denying sin keeps us away from that love, but confessing it opens the door to grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points us back to why Jesus came in the first place. He came to save sinners—not people who thought they were already good.
Other biblical references:
- Luke 5:31-32 – Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick… I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
- John 1:14, 17 – Jesus came full of grace and truth.
- Romans 5:8 – While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- 1 John 2:1-2 – If anyone does sin, we have an advocate—Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ death and resurrection make forgiveness possible, but we must first admit our need for it.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think people struggle to admit their sin?
- How does denying sin affect your relationship with God and with others?
- In what ways are you tempted to minimize or excuse your sin?
- How does this verse challenge you to be honest with yourself and with God?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of God’s word in your life?