In this, his first pastoral letter to the churches of Asia, the apostle John now addresses sin within the body, an evident ongoing battle against evil.
John declares the almighty creator perfect and good, and man imperfect and flawed, unworthy of God’s mercy and grace.
“5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)
The message stems from Yeshua, the living Christ who lived a perfect life among the earth, then ascended to the heavens to rejoice with our Father, from which righteousness and light flow.
Paul declares Him light, the supreme being who pours out truth, knowledge and holiness, opposites of darkness, a place of ignorance, error, falsehood and sin.
“6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:6)
John teaches us that fellowship with God is ongoing, and that His righteousness is not found in darkness. Because of our sinful nature, believers must battle temptation daily as we continue to fellowship with God through prayer, worship and abiding by the truth found in His holy word, the bible.
“7 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.” (1 John 1:7)
The be constantly cleaned of our sin, Christians are called to stay on the narrow path that leads to eternal life, where our heavenly Father has prepared a place, and a crown for us according to our deeds.
By walking in Jesus’ footsteps, and surrounding ourselves with like minded individuals, believers are strengthened as we fight the good fight, for His glory.
“8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
The truth is, all fall short of the glory of God, all have sinned. Anyone claiming to be without sin is in fact the worst of sinners, and not of Christ. Further more, there is more to Christianity than admitting to a sinful nature.
Humbled by repentance, and His mercy, those in Christ, walking in God’s light will exude the likeness of Yahweh in their lives, and be found blameless upon judgment day.
“9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
To confess our sins does not eliminate punishment, since all sins are punished, on the cross through the blood of Yeshua, the Savior, and in in our lives, eventually in death the ultimate wage for our transgressions of God’s will and commandments.
“10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10)
Anyone who claims to be without sin does not require salvation, or rescue from the wage of sin, which is physical death.
John teaches us that believers are sinners, who are raised from the lake of fire by our faith in the risen God, through His mercy and grace. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
