Does John's Use Of We, Our, and Us Mean 1 John 1:9 Is For Believers?

Because John uses the pronouns we, our, and us in 1 John 1:9, many conclude John must be talking about believers.

However, it is vital to know John is using we, our, and us editorially.

An editorial use of we, our, and us means the person using these pronouns in a sentence is not including himself in the content of the sentence.

An example of this is Matthew 6:12 and Luke 11:14 when Jesus said,

"And forgive US OUR debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."

"Forgive US OUR sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us."

Notice Jesus' use of the words "us" and "our" when coupled with forgiveness.

Jesus had no sins the Father needed to forgive.

Yet he said, "Forgive US OUR sins."

This is a classic use of an editorial where the speaker uses "us" and "our" in a sentence but is not included in the group being referred to.

There are numerous times in the Book of Hebrews where the writer uses "we" to refer to the first-century Jews who rejected Jesus and the new covenant and were facing judgment.

However, he, the writer, had not rejected Jesus or the new covenant and was not facing judgement.

Though the writer uses the word "we" throughout Hebrews, he is not guilty of rejecting Jesus and the new covenant.

A modern-day example of an editorial we is when people go to a restaurant and the waiter says, "What are WE having for dinner?"

The waiter is not having anything, yet he says "we."

It is the same in 1 John 1:9.

John is not including himself or believers in the verse.

He is simply using we, our, and us editorially.

Those who are in need of confessing their sins for forgiveness are the unbelievers in 1 John 1:8 and 10.

John clearly states in 1 John 2:12 that those to whom he is writing have been forgiven of their sins.

If this blog was helpful for you, Brad’s book on 1 John 1:9 may be helpful as well:

Forgiven and Cleansed: 1 John 1:9 In Context

Also, check out Brad’s Books.