Thus far in our study, we have examined what the Bible says about itself and what the Bible says about vain worship.
This week, we want to examine what the Bible says about “walking in the light.”
I invite you to take a moment to read our text: 1 John 1:5-10. Now that you have read it, if you like to mark in your Bible (as I do), I encourage you to circle/ highlight/underline the following:
* “God is light” (vs. 5).
* “If we say” (vs 6, 8, 10).
* “Fellowship” (vs. 6, 7).
* “Walk in the light” (vs. 7).
* “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (vs. 9).
Defining Terms
“Walk”
We want to define the terms “walk” and “light.” First, we consider the word “walk” as, from a biblical perspective, meaning one’s manner of life (Psa. 37:23; 89:15; 119:105).
There are over 400 references to “walking” in the Scriptures.
* We read about Enoch who “walked with God” (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5).
* We also find Noah who “walked with God” (Gen. 6:9; Heb. 11:7).
* After obedience to the Gospel, one is raised to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).
* The Christian’s goal is to “walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6).
“Light”
Second, we examine the word “light.” Again, from a Biblical perspective, light is the sphere dominated by righteousness, goodness, and knowledge of God.”
Light was the first thing God spoke into existence (Gen. 1:3; Psa. 33:6, 9). In fact, God created individual lights — Sun, moon, and stars (Gen. 1:16). Light is a natural symbol for what is good and right (Jas. 1:17).
God is light; it is His very nature and essence (1 John 1:5; Psa. 27:1; 104:2). Jesus is the “Light of the World” (John 1:4-9; 8:12). Christians are “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14; Eph. 5:8; Phil. 2:14; 1 Pet. 2:9). Christians must fight against the darkness by putting on and keeping on the “armor of light” (Rom. 13:12).
The Results of Walking in the Light
With those thoughts in mind, we return to our text (1 John 1:5-10). What are the consequences of “walking in the light?”
Fellowship with God
First, we have fellowship with God and with those who are also in fellowship with Him.
This is known as vertical and horizontal fellowship.
Continual cleansing by Jesus’ blood
Second, Christians who are “walking in the light” enjoy the blessing of the continual cleansing of the blood of Jesus.
In essence, the passage teaches that if we (Christians) keep on walking in the light, the blood of Jesus keeps on cleansing us.
What is Involved in Walking in the Light?
Now that we have defined terms and noticed the consequences of walking in the light, we want to consider what is involved in walking in the light. Consider four things.
The blood of Christ
First, the blood of Christ.
Without the shed blood of Jesus, there is no light and no path worth walking! His blood provides cleansing, hope, and ultimately, salvation from sin. The blood must be applied and the only way to contact the blood of Jesus is in waters of baptism (Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5).
When Jesus died, the centurion pierced His side and blood and water came forth (John 19:34). Those two elements are essential as one contacts the blood by being immersed in water having his or her sins washed away (Acts 2:38; Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).
The confession of sins
Second, the confession of sins is included in walking in the light.
John writes,
“If we confess our sins, He (the Lord) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.”
David was one who “walked in the light” as he owned up to his mistakes, poured out his heart to God, and was forgiven (Psa. 51; 32).
The character of God
Third, we must consider the character of God.
He is “faithful” (trustworthy) and “just” (righteous). When God says He will do something, we can be assured that He will!
The complete cleansing
Fourth and finally, there is complete cleansing:
“(He is faithful and just) to forgive us and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.”
When one obeys the Gospel, the blood of Jesus washes away ALL sins. In like manner, as a Christian keeps walking in the light, the blood keeps cleansing us from ALL unrighteousness.
Next week, we will examine what the Bible says about “religious confusion and division.”
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
