God Is Love: A Study in 1 JohnSample

What does it say?

John proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Word of life and the light of believers. He is faithful to purify those who ask Him for the forgiveness of their sins.

What does it mean?

John’s first letter calls believers back to fundamental truths of the Christian life – sin must be acknowledged, confessed, and forgiven in order for a believer to remain in fellowship with Christ and with other believers. Just as physical light illuminates the darkness, God's Word illuminates what sin might be residing in our hearts. Anyone who denies that he has sinned calls God a liar. God is able to forgive sin based on the sinless blood of Christ shed on the cross. Even more amazing is His faithfulness to forgive each sin that is humbly and honestly confessed.

How should I respond?

Daily fellowship with the Lord isn’t something that has to wait until you’re in Heaven; it occurs as you yield to God’s Spirit moment by moment. How would you describe your Christian life – a walk in the light or a walk in and out of the dark? 1 John 1:9 is the believer’s bar of soap, so to speak. When you live in obedience to God’s Word, He’ll convict you of sin so you can confess it honestly and enjoy daily fellowship with Him as well as with other believers. What sinful thought or attitude do you need to confess to the Lord? Claim 1 John 1:9 right now. God is always faithful to forgive.