- 1 John 1:5 - This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
- 1 John 1:6 - If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.
- 1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
- John 10:28 - And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
- John 10:29 - My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
- Psalm 16:11 - Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
The first letter of John does not talk about how to obtain salvation, although it teaches the importance of confessing sins. This letter was written to people who already had a relationship with God. They needed to be reminded how to remain in communion with God. The Heavenly Father wants believers to receive joy from His presence, but unconfessed sin can hinder this communion.
Believers are a new creation, but they are not yet perfect and continue to be tempted by sin. Our physical body has natural desires such as rest, food, and pleasure. When these desires are under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we live a life that is pleasing to God and joyful. But when we allow them to control us, we drift away from communion with God and begin to 'walk in darkness'.
'Walking in darkness' does not mean that a believer can lose their salvation. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior will never perish. It refers to choosing a lifestyle that causes us to perceive the presence of God less.
Our Heavenly Father wants us to be in communion with Him and experience full joy. This happens when we spend time in His presence, align our lives with His will, and talk about Him to the people around us.
If this communion is broken, confessing sin can restore it.
Reflection
Is there any unconfessed sin in your life today that is hindering your communion with God?
