Walking in the Light

When the Apostle John wrote 1 John 1, he wanted to give a first-hand testimony about the amazing fellowship that he and the other disciples had experienced with Jesus, the Father, and one another. It was such a special joy-filled relationship that he wanted all believers to know and have the chance to share in the glorious love of God awaiting them as they walked in the light as he was in the light (1 John 1:6).

What made that relationship so special is that it was pure love because God is love and there is absolutely no darkness in him or the relationship. Light dispels all darkness. Pure love and pure joy is available to all who choose to align themselves in harmony with the Father, the Son, and other believers. It was the ideal relationship that every person wishes they had.

The requirement for this marvelous fellowship was that it was only available to believers who walked in the light. The believer who chose to walk in darkness would not be allowed into the fellowship, even though that person was saved. Believers who walked in the darkness, would miss having this incredible joy that was available only in the light. That believer could be happy because happiness is based on circumstances; but the joy of the Lord is a special blessing of intimacy available to those walking and living in the light.

How would a believer know if he was walking in the dark? Simple. He would not be able to see and understand because of the darkness. Believers would have to choose to reject patterns and lifestyles contrary to the nature of God, e.g. selfishness, idolatry, untruthfulness and other ungodly behaviors that would interfere with the believer’s fellowship with God, as well as other believers. Darkness opens the believer to deception because that believer has chosen to walk in concert with satan, the father of lies. There are only two paths, God’s or satan’s. Believers choose who they will follow.

The good news is found in verse 9, where the scripture says: “If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Confession in this verse means to bring oneself in harmony with another – i.e., God, and it may include the need for specific dialogue with the one who has been sinned against (again God), by identifying the specific behavior that has violated the relationship. The most important thing to remember is that time spent with God is not so much about how long, but the quality and transparency of the conversation.

Lastly, we are not forgiven because we confess. We are forgiven because of the blood of Jesus which was shed for us on Calvary’s cross.