In this first chapter of 1 John, the disciple John gives his "resume" and qualifications to challenge the false teachers who were spreading Gnosticism. In vv. 1-2, John recounts how he walked with Jesus and heard His teaching. In vv. 3-4 John explains his purpose in writing. In the following verses, he presents the truth of God in challenge to the false teaching. In v. 5, John explains that God is light. If we don't believe in Jesus, we are in darkness. As Christians, we can only reflect the light of God's Son, and we are called to reflect Christ to a lost world. In vv. 6-7, we see that fellowship with God comes once we are reconciled to Him. If we say we are born again, we can't have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, living a life dominated by sin. In vv. 8 and 10, John teaches that if we say we have no sin, we have deceived ourselves, and His Word is not in us. In v. 9, John encourages us to confess our sins, and God will be faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, because the payment has been made by Christ. We will continue to sin after salvation. Part of growing in sanctification is fighting sin daily by confessing it specifically. Let us live out being in the light! |