1 John 1:5-10
Living in the Pacific Northwest during the fall and winter months can feel like an endless November. The sky is often gray, the rain constant, and the sun elusive. The days grow shorter, and even when the sun peeks out, it feels fleeting. Yet, those brief moments of sunshine bring warmth and refreshment—physically and emotionally. There’s something inherently life-giving about light after prolonged darkness, a reminder of something greater: the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.
The Light Promised
The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Christ, describing it as light breaking into deep darkness:
Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”
In the fullness of time, God fulfilled this promise. Galatians 4:4 tells us that God sent His Son at just the right moment, shining light into a spiritually dark world. Israel had experienced centuries of waiting, seeing only glimpses of God’s plan. Then, the birth of Christ shattered the spiritual November, signaling the dawn of salvation.
Even in the nativity story, light plays a significant role. The star that guided the wise men to Jesus in Matthew 2 wasn’t just a celestial marker; it symbolized Christ as the Light of the world. Similarly, the shepherds encountered the radiant glory of the Lord when the angel announced Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:9). These manifestations pointed to Jesus, who is God with us—Immanuel.
God is Light
In 1 John 1:5, we read: “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.”
The imagery of light and darkness speaks to sin and salvation. Unlike fictional tales where light and darkness are equally matched (think Star Wars), God’s light overpowers darkness completely. Jesus, the Light of the world, has authority over sin and death, a truth established from the very beginning.
After the fall of humanity in Genesis 3, God promised a Savior, declaring that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). Spurgeon describes this promise as swift mercy—a glimpse of hope before the full weight of sin’s curse was even pronounced. Jesus, the snake crusher, came to fulfill this promise, vanquishing sin and offering redemption.
The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming
Jesus didn’t come merely to make a statement or gather followers. He wasn’t a celebrity seeking a fan club. His mission was far greater: to defeat sin, redeem humanity, and bring us into fellowship with God. John 1:9-10 emphasizes this:
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.”
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection call us out of darkness into His marvelous light. He cleanses us from sin and transforms our hearts, enabling us to live for Him.
Walking in the Light
1 John 1:6 challenges us to examine our lives:
“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
Being a Christian isn’t about outward appearances or checking religious boxes; it’s about a transformed life. When we walk in the light, we reflect Christ in our actions, speech, and attitudes.
This truth struck me as a high school freshman. Although I grew up in a Christian environment, someone pointed out that my life didn’t look any different from those who didn’t follow Christ. That realization forced me to confront where I stood with Jesus. Was I truly walking in the light?
Cleansed by His Blood
Verse 7 provides the assurance of forgiveness for those who belong to Christ:
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
The cleansing power of Jesus’ blood covers our past, present, and future sins. This isn’t a license to live however we want but a motivation to pursue holiness, knowing that we are forgiven.
Confession and Forgiveness
1 John 1:9 reminds us of God’s faithfulness:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Confession isn’t about earning forgiveness—it’s about restoring fellowship with God. Through Christ’s work on the cross, we have the assurance that our sins are forgiven, and we can approach God with confidence.
Conclusion
Without Jesus, we would remain in spiritual darkness. But the Light of the world has come, overcoming sin and death and offering us new life.
– Are you walking in the light?
– Are you looking to God for forgiveness and transformation through Jesus?
May we remember that Christ is the Light who brings hope, joy, and eternal fellowship with God. Let His light shine in your life and through your life, reflecting His glory to a world in need of Him.