“This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses 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 righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 JOHN 1: 5-10 (WEB)
Light and darkness are metaphors we find throughout the pages of Scripture. Light often represents goodness, perfection, and the glory of God (ref. Isa. 60:1-2). In contrast, darkness can represent sin, unrighteousness, and wickedness (ref. Rom. 13:12).
The fellowship Christians share (see 1 Jn. 1:1-5) is based on and centered in Christ. John is encouraging followers of Christ to honor Christ in their lives. Honoring Christ means that Christians will not continue in a lifestyle of sin.
Revealed in John's powerful words is the glorious truth of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. Sin can be forgiven through Jesus. Through Jesus' atoning sacrifice, a way is opened to experience and walk in relationship with God.
The Scriptures set forward the expectation of honoring God in our lives (ref. 1 Jn. 2:1). However, if we are honest with ourselves, we realize our shortcomings and failures to walk according to the Spirit's wisdom. We recognize our sin. Although Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a one-time sacrifice offered for sin (ref. Heb. 10:10), the power and fulness of Christs' sacrifice stretch forward.
A genuine and sincere heart will not seek to take advantage of God's grace (ref. Rom. 6:1). An honest heart will be filled with godly sorrow because of sin (ref. 2 Cor. 7:10). As Christians, here is where we rest and have confidence in Christ, not ourselves. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 Jn. 1:9).
Jesus' perfection, Jesus' faith, Jesus' sacrifice provides a way for Christians to walk in the light and have fellowship with the Father. Walking in the light is not based on a Christian's (my) ability to be perfect. Walking in the light is based on the perfection of God's Son, Jesus.
The glorious fellowship we enjoy as Christians are based on and centered in Christ.
BLESSINGS!
Steve E.
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name "World English Bible" is trademarked.
Download This Article