Governmental forgiveness means the forgiveness that God exercises over us as His children. It has to do with this life.
When the believer sins, he loses his communion as a child with the Father, but not his relationship as a child of God.
The subject of 1 John 1 is communion; therefore the Apostle says: "If we confess our sins [note, not ask for forgiveness], He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
This is governmental forgiveness and is also referred to in Matt. 6:14,15, and chapter 18:35. The Lord's prayer has also this thought when it says, "Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us." Luke 11:4 See also James 5:15.)
The "sin unto death." referred to in 1 John 5:16,17, is that of a believer N.. he has so dishonored the Lord through sin, that he is removed in the government of God, though not lost.
1 Cor. 11:30 is another passage that refers to the government of God. Some were sickly and some slept (were taken in death) because they "broke bread" and walked carelessly with unjudged evil in their lives.
May we walk carefully-prayerfully, with exercised hearts to please God who has done great things for us!
O LAMB of God, still keep us
Close to Thy pierced side;
'Tis only there in safety
And peace we can abide;
With foes and snares around us,
And lusts and fears within,
The grace that sought and found us,
Alone can keep us clean.
'Tis only in Thee hiding
We feel ourselves secure;
Only in Thee abiding
The conflict can endure.
Thine arm the victory gaineth
O'er every hateful foe;
Thy love our hearts sustaineth,
In all their cares and woe.
Soon shall our eyes behold Thee
With rapture face to face;
And, resting there in glory,
We'll sing Thy power and grace:
Thy beauty, Lord, and glory,
The wonders of Thy love
Shall be the endless story
Of all Thy saints above.