1 John 1:1-10
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—
2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—
3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
7 But 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.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
While there is a mercy and grace for every transgression that will return to full fellowship, there is also a need to call that transgression what it really is and not presume that it doesn’t exist based upon a twisted perception of grace and the new birth. Where we choose to walk has everything to do with our fellowship and any blessings that could be expected there. An intentional walk in a fellowship with darkness cannot produce light, no matter what legal finagling is used. Also, this presumed rightness with God never produces a judgmental and critical spirit that promotes segregation, but will instead yield a merciful and forgiving heart that finds fellowship with His body to be a very necessary part of fellowship with Him. There is nothing about walking in His light that promotes pride and a condemning attitude, especially toward those with whom we’re joined together. The blood has its cleansing effect in us when it is allowed to have that same effect in others who are not perfect either. The knowing and walking in truth that really brings freedom begins with the understanding that we are all desperately in need of the love and mercy of Jesus that is only found walking in the light of His presence, the same place available to all. Our passion will join His in desiring fellowship with all in purity there.
Verses 6-7 goes right along with what Pastor Stephen was exhorting us with yesterday! We cannot have light and darkness just like we cannot speak edifying and destructive words at the same times.
I think it is interesting that it says if we walk in the light we have fellowship with one another. There is a connection there of being in the same mind, with the same purpose that brings us together closer in the body of Christ.