Bible Basics

Walking In Darkness

John says, “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:5, 6). The contrast of light with darkness is common in scripture. There is no contrast more obvious or dramatic. Since John describes God as light, everything contrary to God constitutes darkness. Notice there is “no darkness at all” in Him. As John speaks of those who claim “fellowship with Him,” he uses the personal pronoun “we.” John might have said, “if anyone,” but by saying “we” he becomes definite and identifies those to whom he refers as being like himself – a Christian. He is speaking of those who obeyed the gospel in times past and in Christ found fellowship with God through the forgiveness of past sins. Now these same individuals continue to claim fellowship with God and yet “walk in darkness.” He says such individuals “lie and do not practice the truth.” This passage shows that not only do we establish fellowship with God by purifying our souls “in obeying the truth” (1 Peter 1:22), but maintaining that fellowship with God is also conditional. The Christian that walks in darkness is not in fellowship with God regardless of what he professes. But what is it to “walk in darkness?”   Find our next week.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics