Bible Basics

Fellowship With God

John writes, “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). The condition of fellowship with God is dependent upon walking in the light “as He is in the light:” i.e. we must do the best we can to live perfectly in accordance with the will of God. But no one is a perfect law keeper, for John continues saying, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (v. 8). Consequently, the one that “walks in the light” in this passage cannot be the one that lives a sinless life. It is, rather, the one that tries to live a sinless life but is dependent upon pardon for the times he fails to keep God’s will. John says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (v. 9). Notice the singular use of the word “sin” in v. 8 while the plural “sins” is used in v. 9. Those who say, “we have no sin” are making a general denial of committing sin. Those who confess their “sins” are identifying specific sins for which they find forgiveness. The point is we need to ever keep our conscience and our heart tender to our transgressions that we might identify them, confess them and repent of them. The result: forgiveness and fellowship with God.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics