The Commentary like most Christian literature does not know the truth of Biblical perfection.
Apostolic Friends,
A closer look will be helpful.
If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8
Standing alone this would seem to say sin can't be overcome.
But it isnt standing alone!
Check out THE CONTEXT.
If WE SAY we have fellowship with him AND WALK IN DARKNESS we lie and do not the truth.
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.
If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:6-9
Who is John speaking to in verse 8?
He addresses
THOSE IN VERSE 6 WHO ALTHOUGH THEY WERE WALKING IN SIN THEY WERE CLAIMING A RIGHT STANDING-FELLOWSHIP WITH YESHUA!
THEY WERE DECEIVING THEMSELVES.
John was trying to open the eyes of those who
denied their sins instead of REPENTING of them.
He by no means was implying to the body at large that they couldnt stop sinning.
He makes Gods expectation clear here:
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.
2 John 1
So to the HOLY SPIRIT to not sin is
THE RULE. But
IF any one would sin they can confess and ask for mercy.
So
1 John 1:8 cannot be used as support against
BIBLICAL PERFECTION.
John was not telling the same people not to sin then turning and saying if they said they were not sinning they were liars.