Scripture Text: 1 John 1:5-7
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5 (ESV)
Blackouts may perhaps make some of us nervous. We hate trying to find our way in the dark, where anything might be lurking. We probably keep a flashlight on our dresser for emergencies and know exactly where the extra batteries are. We even know exactly where our candles are and matches to light them in our homes.
Light and darkness are powerful images in John’s biblical writings: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (v. 5). In this metaphor, “light” means truth, life, holiness, goodness, and purity, while “darkness” means lies, death, unrighteousness, evil, and impurity. Similarly, Jesus had said of Himself: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.
The next two verses are framed as if/then statements, but not because the “if” is in doubt. Rather, this structure emphasizes the truth or falsehood of the claims made. The point of verse 6, then, is that anyone who claims to be on God’s side but walks in the darkness is lying. “Walking” is a common biblical metaphor that describes daily life activities. How can we discern truth from falsehood? By observing people’s actions. No one who claims fellowship with God can at the same time be living in sin.
The opposite and equal point of verse 7 is that those who walk in the light can be confident that they are truly on God’s side. We’re saved, purified by Christ’s blood of our sins and therefore in fellowship with God, as well as and our fellow believers. We’re following Christ, who is Himself perfectly “in the light.”
Reflect
1. Do you discern truth from falsehood?
2. Can you discern truth from falsehood?
3. Do we see our claim of knowing God consistent and proven by the way how we live our lives?
Remember
My dear readers, our claims of knowing God must be backed up by the evidence of righteous lives. This righteousness is not one that we have but one that we only had through Christ who is the light of this world and the only life.
Read
Psalm 27:1; Proverbs 4:18-19; John 8:12, 14:6
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing me into the light. I would never have wanted You if You had not worked this desire into my heart. I could never have left the darkness if You had not led me out. It is only by Your grace. In Your name I pray. Amen.
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