1 John 1:9 (KJV): meaning and how to memorise it

What 1 John 1:9 says

John promises that God forgives the sins that we confess. God is faithful and just, and he cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 in context

⁶If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: ⁷But 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. ⁸If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 1, verses 6–10. Read the whole chapter with John Brown’s notes in the Self-Interpreting Bible.

1 John 1:9 in the catechisms

The Reformation catechisms and confessions cite 1 John 1:9 4 times as a proof text.

WSC 98
What is prayer?
WCF 11.5
God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified; and although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may by their sins fall under God's…
WCF 15.6
As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof, upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy; so he that…
HC 115
If in this life no one can keep the ten commandments perfectly, why does God have them preached so strictly?

How to memorise 1 John 1:9

Hearers breaks the verse into clauses and teaches each clause in four steps. Then it brings each clause back just before you forget it.

01
Read
Read the verse with the clauses marked. Listen to it read aloud.
02
Trace
Type the first letter of each word, with the words shown faintly.
03
Fade
Half of the words go. Type the text again, and fill the gaps from memory.
04
Recall
All the words go. Type it or say it aloud. Each clause gets its own grade and its own review date.