If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1: 7 [NIV]
You will notice that, like yesterday, John talks about walking as being what the Christian life is all about. To be a Christian is not static: it involves change – listening to the voice of the Lord, serving him and growing. To walk in the light does not mean that we are sinless, rather that we are holding nothing back from God. We are living in his presence without deceit and dishonesty and without trying to conceal anything.
Two things follow if we walk in the light.
Firstly, we have fellowship with one another (between Christians). We might have expected John to say that we have fellowship with God. This would also be true, and I think John is making the point that to be in a right relationship with each other we must first be in a right relationship with God.
And secondly, the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Coming to God in repentance and faith opens the door to forgiveness. The blood of Jesus (a person) his Son (God) is able to do this. John says that the death of Jesus purifies us – it takes away the stain of sin. And he uses the present continuous tense, so he is saying Jesus' blood continues to purify us from every sin.
We can never come too often to God when we come in humble penitence and active faith. [David Jackman]
Dear Lord, help me to step right out into the light of your presence and to receive forgiveness.
David Long
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