1Jo 1:8 | TNotes | STEP | 1:8 If we claim we have no sin: This is the second false claim of the Gnostics (see 1:6 ). They claimed that they were or could be sinless since Christ had abolished their sins once and for all—their higher knowledge would lift them above the realm of sin. But Christians do still sin when they live in their old nature (see Rom 7:14-25 ). The true Christian both acknowledges this sin (1 Jn 1:9 ) and trusts in Christ to take it away.

cRom 7:14-25►

d1 Jn 1:9►

‏ 1 John 1:8

1:8 ^a If we claim we have no sin: This is the second false claim of the Gnostics (see 1:6 ^b). They claimed that they were or could be sinless since Christ had abolished their sins once and for all—their higher knowledge would lift them above the realm of sin. But Christians do still sin when they live in their old nature (see Rom 7:14-25 ^c). The true Christian both acknowledges this sin (1 Jn 1:9 ^d) and trusts in Christ to take it away.