notice the verse before this:
1Jn 1:7 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.
this is the Gospel. but how can we be cleansed if we say we have not sin? thus the verse you asked about.
How can we be cleansed if we say we have no sin?
John repeats the same sentiment in the next verse:
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This verse is similar to verse 7. notice we "if we confess" you can't confess sins if you think and say you have no sin thus no forgiveness and no cleansing.
And again the next verse is similar to verse 8:
1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
so note, verse 7 and 9 go together and verse 8 and 10 go together. John is not suggesting that one will never or could never be without sin. but rather that in order for one to come to Christ and Receive forgiveness and cleansing we must confess and admit we are sinners in need of cleansing. Those who do not can not be cleansed/cleaned of their sin.
John makes it clear that sin stops in later chapters as he moves into what it means to be cleansed after confession and humbling ones self.
1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Hope this helps,
Blessings.
1Jn 1:7 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.
this is the Gospel. but how can we be cleansed if we say we have not sin? thus the verse you asked about.
How can we be cleansed if we say we have no sin?
John repeats the same sentiment in the next verse:
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This verse is similar to verse 7. notice we "if we confess" you can't confess sins if you think and say you have no sin thus no forgiveness and no cleansing.
And again the next verse is similar to verse 8:
1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
so note, verse 7 and 9 go together and verse 8 and 10 go together. John is not suggesting that one will never or could never be without sin. but rather that in order for one to come to Christ and Receive forgiveness and cleansing we must confess and admit we are sinners in need of cleansing. Those who do not can not be cleansed/cleaned of their sin.
John makes it clear that sin stops in later chapters as he moves into what it means to be cleansed after confession and humbling ones self.
1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Hope this helps,
Blessings.
1Joh 1:8 is used by many people to upohold the notion of "sin you will and sin you must" when that verse s simply alluding to genuine repentance and coming clean with God.
It is through a genuine repentance that the rebellion to God ceases once and for all.