This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true;
But 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.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Self-deception is a dastardly thing. We can fool ourselves into thinking almost anything, especially when it comes to sin. We can beat ourselves easily over things that should have been let go years ago while ignoring the one thing that holds us captive. This text from 1 John reminds us of both foolish moves and states the remarkable news that we can be free from the debilitation of sin–provided we learn how to relate to Jesus.
God is Light; He wants us to burn brightly as well. Let’s find out more on Sunday morning!
