When John was in Ephesus he learned of false teachers infecting and dividing the church. And so he responded with this letter reminding believers of the foundational beliefs of the faith, and giving them assurance of their salvation. He packs a lot into this first small chapter of 1 John,  including the most beautiful teaching, “God is Light”.

To clear up any false ideas about Jesus, John begins by telling us exactly who Jesus is. First he says that Jesus is the “Word of Life”. John 1:1-4 says, “in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.” John goes on to say, “and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaimed to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” (v. 2) Jesus who is fully God, and who dwells eternally with the Father, “became flesh and dwelt amongst us” (John 1:14). He left His throne in heaven beside Almighty God, to save the world by ransoming Himself as a payment for the sins of all to whoever would receive Him as Lord and Savior. 

In response to this awesome truth, John tells us that he felt implored to share what he knew. “what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also” (v. 3) Why does John have this calling? “so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write so that our joy may be made complete.” (v. 3-4) John had a joyful relationship with the Lord, and this joy was made complete by leading others to having the same kind of relationship with Jesus. We too can have that same kind of joy with the Lord by walking in the light of God.

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (v. 5) John doesn’t say that God is a light, he says that God is Light. That means that He is righteous, pure, glorious, perfect, and holy. There is absolutely no sin to be found in Him. Not an ounce of immorality, nor a hint of injustice. We can trust Him completely, because He will never fail, forsake, or betray us. 

And not only is God light, but so is His Son. Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” Following Jesus means that no longer do we walk a path of darkness. No longer do we live for ourselves and the world, but instead we live for Him and to walk in His light. We let Him shine brilliantly through us by practicing love, humility, repentance, and obedience. “If we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (v. 7)Walking in His Light helps us in our relationships with one another, and most wonderful of all, it allows us to experience continuous forgiveness for our sins through the blood of Jesus.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (v. 9) Confessing our sins means that we agree with God that what we’ve done was wrong in His eyes. And how does God respond when we tell Him that we’re sorry? I love this by Dr. Charles Stanley, “When you pour out your heart in genuine confession and repentance, God forgives you completely and declares you justified, no longer guilty in His eyes. The Lord understands your struggles and He wants you to find victory in them-not to continue to feel shame because of them. He is merciful and loving, which is why once you confess and repent, you are absolutely forgiven!”

Guilt and shame are powerful weapons of the enemy. They keep us from experiencing God’s very best for our lives, and the freedom that comes from His forgiveness. Our Father knows the very worst about us and loves us all the more. So the next time Satan whispers his lies in your ears, remember God’s truth. You are so very precious in His sight, so hold your head up high and walk in His Light!

Housework is a never ending thing.  Washing, drying, sweeping, tidying, vacuuming, mopping, folding, scrubbing, etc.  How wonderful it is to sit back and enjoy a clean house when all the work is done!  If only it would stay that way.  But, it doesn't.  The dust and grime is never completely gone and it accumulates quickly again and again. 

The sin of our hearts is much like that dirt and grime that must be dealt with endlessly.  The Law convicted us of sin and the sacrifices offered temporarily atoned for our sins but those sacrifices could not provide eternal , complete forgiveness.  The cleansing process had to be repeated over and over again. “But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (v3-4)

Fortunately, God had a better plan.  The sacrifice of his perfectly blameless Son provided a " once and for all" guaranteed eternal cleansing. “When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (v8-10)

With this one time perfectly accepted sacrifice a new covenant was established between God and his people.  “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.” ( v 16-18‬ ‭). Isn't it wonderful that we have been shown such mercy and we can know that no matter what we have done, we can have complete forgiveness from God. 

We are encouraged to confidently enter in to a very close, intimate relationship with God, our Father. “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” ( v 22)

We are granted complete, eternal forgiveness when we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior but we still have to live out our lives in a sinful, often very difficult world. We are encouraged to remain strong  in our faith and to encourage one another. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." ( v 23-25)

What a great challenge for us as we go through our day.  Look for ways  "to stir up one another to love and good works."  God loves us and He has so much prepared for us.  All He asks is that we trust Him and remain faithful. “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." (v35-36)

Be encouraged!  You are completely forgiven.  You are promised all the blessings of eternity.  You are greatly loved!