The term “confess” means to say the same thing about sin as God does; to acknowledge his perspective about sin. While 1 John 1:7 is from God’s perspective, v. 9 is from the Christian’s perspective. Confession of sin characterizes genuine Christians, and God continually cleanses those who are confessing (cf. v. 7). Rather than focusing on confession for every single sin as necessary, John has especially in mind here a settled recognition and acknowledgment that one is a sinner in need of cleansing and forgiveness.Study Bible, John MacArthur
