John’s words are clear. “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in dark-ness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 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 his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7 ESV).
In the light is where I want to be! In darkness there is no fellowship with God. In the light we not only have fellowship, but we have forgiveness! For me to be in the light is a choice I make about how I live. It is not just about what I believe. It is not how loud I can shout hallelujah. It has to do with how I live.
The darkness/light contrast is found in chapter three, but in chapter three it speaks of “keeps on sinning” and “practicing righteousness.” John says, “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.” (1 John 3:4-7 ESV).
After I become a Christian, God expects me to live like a Christian ought to live. It is described as “walking in the light,” “keeps his word,” and “practices righteousness.” Living this way keeps me out of the path of darkness, keeps me from failing to keep God’s commandments, and keeps me from a practice of sin. Walking in the light provides me with promise of forgiveness, and fellowship.
Are you walking in the light?
– Steve Housley
Steve Housley is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
