1:9 Is there any confessed sin that God will not forgive?

No, regardless of how bad it is there is no confessed sin that God will not forgive (cp Isa 1:18; 43:26).

The only sin that God will not forgive is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (cp Mt 12:31-32; Mk 3:29). Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can only be committed by someone who, after having partaken of God's saving grace, rejects the truth of God's word and no longer believes in Christ and His atoning death. In rejecting this truth, they are treating Christ with contempt, and in effect are crucifying Him afresh and exposing Him to public disgrace.

As far as they are concerned Christ was worthy of death. They have rendered their hearts so hard towards Him that they are impervious to the ministry of the Holy Spirit and are irrevocably lost. Furthermore, they are not interested in seeking forgiveness.

Those who reject Christ like this are called apostates (cp He 6:4-8; 10:26-31; 2Pe 2:20-22). Apostates are not to be confused with backsliders. As long as backsliders retain their faith in Christ and His atonement, they can be renewed to repentance (cp Hos 14:4; Mt 12:31; Mk 3:28; 1Jn 5:16).

Christians need never fear that they have blasphemed the Holy Spirit while ever they seek forgiveness of sins. The fact that they can come to the throne of grace means that they have not hardened their hearts and rejected Christ and His atonement, as have apostates (cp He 10:19-23). See also comments on He 6:4-6, 10:26-31, 2Pe 2:20-22, 1Jn 5:16.

1 John