◄ 1 John 1:7 ►
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Study Bible
But if we walk
The phrase "walk" in the Greek is "περιπατῶμεν" (peripatōmen), which implies a continuous, habitual action. In the biblical context, walking often symbolizes one's conduct or way of life. This suggests that living a life aligned with God's will is not a one-time event but a continual journey. The conditional "if" introduces a choice, emphasizing the importance of free will in the Christian life. Believers are called to actively choose to live in a manner that reflects God's holiness.

in the light
The "light" here is "φωτί" (phōti) in Greek, symbolizing purity, truth, and divine revelation. Biblically, light is often associated with God’s presence and righteousness (e.g., Psalm 27:1, John 8:12). Walking in the light means living in truth and transparency, away from the darkness of sin and deception. It is an invitation to live in the clarity and guidance that comes from God, who is the ultimate source of light.

as He is in the light
This phrase underscores the standard of holiness and purity that God embodies. "He" refers to God, who is inherently light, as stated earlier in 1 John 1:5. The call is to emulate God's nature, striving to reflect His character in our daily lives. This is a high calling, reminding believers that their model is not the world but God Himself, who is perfect in holiness.

we have fellowship with one another
"Fellowship" is translated from the Greek "κοινωνία" (koinōnia), which denotes a deep, intimate partnership or sharing. This fellowship is not merely social interaction but a spiritual communion rooted in shared faith and mutual love. Walking in the light fosters genuine relationships among believers, as they are united by their common pursuit of living in God's truth.

and the blood of Jesus His Son
The "blood" signifies the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian redemption. In the Old Testament, blood was required for atonement (Leviticus 17:11), and Jesus' blood fulfills this requirement once and for all. The mention of "His Son" emphasizes the divine nature and authority of Jesus, underscoring the significance of His sacrifice.

cleanses us from all sin
The Greek word for "cleanses" is "καθαρίζει" (katharizei), indicating a thorough purification process. This cleansing is not partial but complete, covering "all sin." It highlights the sufficiency of Christ's atonement, offering believers total forgiveness and restoration. This assurance of cleansing is foundational to the Christian faith, providing believers with the confidence to approach God without the burden of guilt.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.

2. Jesus Christ
Central figure of Christianity, whose sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for cleansing from sin.

3. The Early Church
The community of believers to whom John was writing, facing challenges of false teachings and needing encouragement in their faith.

4. The Light
A metaphor for God's holiness, truth, and purity, representing the divine nature and moral perfection.

5. Fellowship
The spiritual unity and shared life among believers, rooted in their common relationship with God through Christ.
Teaching Points
Walking in the Light
Walking in the light involves living in accordance with God's truth and holiness. It requires a daily commitment to follow Christ's example and teachings.

Fellowship with Believers
True fellowship among Christians is rooted in shared faith and obedience to God. It is strengthened by mutual encouragement, accountability, and love.

The Cleansing Power of Christ's Blood
The blood of Jesus is the means by which believers are cleansed from sin. This cleansing is both a one-time event at salvation and an ongoing process of sanctification.

The Importance of Confession and Repentance
Walking in the light includes acknowledging our sins and turning from them. Confession and repentance are vital for maintaining fellowship with God and others.

Living as Witnesses of the Light
As followers of Christ, believers are called to reflect His light in a dark world. This involves living out the gospel in word and deed, pointing others to Jesus.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to "walk in the light" in your daily life, and how can you practically apply this in your current circumstances?

2. How does fellowship with other believers strengthen your walk with God, and what steps can you take to deepen these relationships?

3. In what ways have you experienced the cleansing power of Christ's blood, and how does this assurance impact your spiritual journey?

4. How can you incorporate regular confession and repentance into your spiritual practices, and why is this important for maintaining fellowship with God?

5. Reflect on a situation where you can be a witness of Christ's light. What actions or words can you use to share His truth and love with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself as the "light of the world," emphasizing the theme of light as divine truth and guidance.

Ephesians 5:8-9
Paul encourages believers to live as "children of light," highlighting the transformation from darkness to light through Christ.

Hebrews 9:14
Discusses the cleansing power of Christ's blood, connecting to the purification from sin mentioned in 1 John 1:7.

Psalm 119:105
Describes God's word as a "lamp" and "light," reinforcing the idea of walking in the light through adherence to Scripture.

1 Peter 2:9
Believers are called out of darkness into God's marvelous light, underscoring the identity and mission of Christians.
Sermons
Children of LightScientific Illustrations, etc1 John 1:7
Christian Fellowship with GodA. B. Bruce, D. D.1 John 1:7
CleansethFrances R. Havergal.1 John 1:7
Cleanseth from All SinBp. Westcott.1 John 1:7
Cleansing Virtue of Christ's BloodBp. Hacket.1 John 1:7
Interrupted FellowshipFellowship1 John 1:7
The Atonement of ChristF. Spencer.1 John 1:7
The Best Life the Product of the Bestlight1 John 1:7
The BloodExpositor's Bible1 John 1:7
The Christian Life a WalkJ. P. Lilley, M. A.1 John 1:7
The Cleansing BloodT. De Witt Talmage.1 John 1:7
The Cleansing BloodJ. Morgan, D. D.1 John 1:7
The Efficacy of the Redeemer's BloodJames Bromley.1 John 1:7
The Evil and its RemedyC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 1:7
The Passion of Our Lord Our CleansingBp. A. P. Forbes.1 John 1:7
The Supreme Importance of Moral PurityHomilist1 John 1:7
Walking in the LightJ. M. Ludlow, D. D.1 John 1:7
Walking in the LightJ. P. Lilley, M. A.1 John 1:7
Walking in the Light and Washed in the BloodC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 1:7
A Glorious MessageW. Jay.1 John 1:5-10
Communion with GodJ. Alexander.1 John 1:5-10
Fellowship with GodH. Thorne.1 John 1:5-10
God is LightD. Smith.1 John 1:5-10
God is LightThe Evangelical Preacher1 John 1:5-10
God is TightJ. P. Lilley, M. A1 John 1:5-10
God the Satisfying LightW. Arthur.1 John 1:5-10
Light and Darkness: Sin and PurificationF. D. Maurice, M. A.1 John 1:5-10
Light in the Hour of DarknessE. W. Bibb.1 John 1:5-10
Light the Nature and Dwelling Place of GodR. S. Candlish,D. D.1 John 1:5-10
Message from Christ Brought to Bear on Fellowship with GodR. Finlayson 1 John 1:5-10
No Darkness in GodA. R. Fausset, M. A.1 John 1:5-10
No Substitute for Light1 John 1:5-10
The Child of Light Walking in LightC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 1:5-10
The Clergy God's MessengersE. Blencowe, M. A.1 John 1:5-10
The Conditions of Divine FellowshipJames Morgan, D. D.1 John 1:5-10
The Perfect Light of GodDean Church.1 John 1:5-10
The Right Way of Obtaining and Maintaining Communion with GodM. Barker, M. A.1 John 1:5-10
The Condition and Consequences of Fellowship with GodW. Jones 1 John 1:6, 7
People
John
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Blood, Christ, Clean, Cleanse, Cleanses, Cleanseth, Fellowship, Makes, Purifies, Sin, United, Walk, Walking
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 John 1:7

     1065   God, holiness of
     2321   Christ, as redeemer
     2324   Christ, as Saviour
     2530   Christ, death of
     4324   dross
     4833   light
     4835   light, spiritual
     4836   light, and people of God
     5767   attitudes, in prayer
     6027   sin, remedy for
     6511   salvation
     6615   atonement, necessity
     6617   atonement, in NT
     6648   expiation
     7317   blood, of Christ
     7416   purification
     7923   fellowship, in gospel
     8272   holiness, growth in
     8326   purity, moral and spiritual

1 John 1:5-9

     8604   prayer, response to God

1 John 1:6-7

     5197   walking

1 John 1:6-9

     7317   blood, of Christ

1 John 1:7-9

     6175   guilt, removal of

1 John 1:7-10

     8316   orthodoxy, in NT

Library
Walking in the Light
'If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.'--1 John i. 7. John was the Apostle of love, but he was also a 'son of thunder.' His intense moral earnestness and his very love made him hate evil, and sternly condemn it; and his words flash and roll as no other words in Scripture, except the words of the Lord of love. In the immediate context he has been laying down what is to him the very heart …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Message and Its Practical Results
'This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto 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 the truth: 7. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth 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 …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

June the Twenty-Seventh God is Light!
"In Him is no darkness at all." --1 JOHN i. That wonderful mansion of God's Being is gloriously radiant in every room! In the house of my life there are dark chambers, and rooms which are only partially illumined, the other parts being in the possession of night. Some of my faculties and powers are dark ministers, and some of my moods are far from being "homes of light." But "God is light," and everything is glorious as the meridian sun! His holiness, His grace, His love, His mercy: there are …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

On Working Out Our Own Salvation
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phil. 2:12-13. 1. Some great truths, as the being and attributes of God, and the difference between moral good and evil, were known, in some measure, to the heathen world. The traces of them are to be found in all nations; So that, in some sense, it may be said to every child of man, "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; even to do justly, to love mercy, and to …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: For the end of that man is peace." * * Preached at the funeral of Asa Witter, Esq. Oct. 9th, 1792. The subject of this psalm is the way and end of the righteous and the wicked. It is designed to calm the minds of good people when tried with adversity, and to reconcile them to the divine administration in the unequal distributions of Providence, and the apparent disregard of character, in those distributions. With these views, the writer, after glancing …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Fellowship with God
And now, my brethren and sisters in the common faith of our Lord Jesus, this morning I trust that many of us can say, "Our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." Did the apostle John need to say, "Truly"--as much as though some doubted or denied it? We, too, have sometimes an occasion to make as solemn an affirmation as he has done. There are certain sectaries who exalt the form of their church government into a sine qua non of piety, and they say of us that it is impossible …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

The Life of God
1 JOHN i. 2. For the Life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested unto us! What do we mean, when we speak of the Life everlasting? Do we mean that men's souls are immortal, and will live for ever after death, either in happiness or misery? We must mean more than that. At least we ought to mean more than that, if we be Christian men. For the Bible tells us, that Christ brought life and immortality to …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Acts 17:26 "One Blood. "
[6] THIS is a very short and simple text, and even a child knows the meaning of its words. But simple as it is, it supplies food for much thought, and it forms part of a speech delivered by a great man on a great occasion. The speaker is the Apostle of the Gentiles, St. Paul. The hearers are the cultivated men of Athens, and specially the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. The place is Mars' Hill at Athens, in full view of religious buildings and statues, of which even the shattered remains are a …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the Flesh, God Sending his Own Son in the Likeness of Sinful Flesh,
Rom. viii. 3.--"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh." The greatest design that ever God had in the world, is certainly the sending of his own Son into the world. And it must needs be some great business, that drew so excellent and glorious a person out of heaven. The plot and contrivance of the world was a profound piece of wisdom and goodness, the making of men after …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel
Psalm lxxiii. 24-28.--"Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, &c. Whom have I in heaven but thee? &c. It is good for me to draw near to God."--1 John i. 3. "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."--John xvii. 21-23. "That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, &c." It is a matter of great consolation that God's …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Light.
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.--1 John i. 5. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light; because their deeds were evil.--John iii. 19. We call the story of Jesus, told so differently, yet to my mind so consistently, by four narrators, the gospel. What makes this tale the good news? Is everything in the story of Christ's life on earth …
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Synopsis. --Biblical Miracles the Effluence of Extraordinary Lives.
V SYNOPSIS.--Biblical miracles the effluence of extraordinary lives.--Life the world's magician and miracle worker; its miracles now termed prodigies.--Miracle the natural product of an extraordinary endowment of life.--Life the ultimate reality.--What any man can achieve is conditioned by the psychical quality of his life.--Nothing more natural, more supernatural, than life.--The derived life of the world filial to the self-existent life of God, "begotten, not made."--Miracle, as the product of …
James Morris Whiton—Miracles and Supernatural Religion

The Next Petition Is, Forgive us Our Debts. ...
The next petition is, FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS. In this and the following petition our Saviour has briefly comprehended whatever is conducive to the heavenly life, as these two members contain the spiritual covenant which God made for the salvation of his Church, "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts." "I will pardon all their iniquities" (Jer. 31:33; 33:8). Here our Saviour begins with the forgiveness of sins, and then adds the subsequent blessing, viz., that God would …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Divine Fellowship
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.'. (1 John i. 3.) My mind and heart have been dwelling upon that sweet word 'fellowship'. We all know what it means in ordinary social intercourse--it means acquaintance, friendship, communion of spirit, interchange of thought and feeling. But I want you to see that all this marks the fellowship prevailing between the Lord …
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Way of Fellowship
When man fell and chose to make himself, rather than God, the centre of his life, the effect was not only to put man out of fellowship with God, but also out of fellowship with his fellow man. The story of man's first quarrel with God in the third chapter of Genesis is closely followed, in the fourth chapter, by the story of man's first quarrel with his fellow, Cain's murder of Abel. The Fall is simply, "we have turned every one to his own way."[footnote1: Is. 53: 6] If I want my own way rather than …
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

Sanctification.
In the last chapter we showed that the doctrine of justification deals with the sinner's change of relation, or change of state. We also learned that faith is the instrumental or applying cause of justification. In another place we showed that true faith presupposes penitence, and this again presupposes a sense and knowledge of sin. Again we showed that penitence and faith are the two essential elements of conversion; that where these elements are found there is a change of heart, and the beginning …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

The Apostolate.
"That ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ."--1 John i. 3. The apostolate bears the character of an extraordinary manifestation, not seen before or after it, in which we discover a proper work of the Holy Spirit. The apostles were ambassadors extraordinary -- different from the prophets, different from the present ministers of the Word. In the history of the Church and the world they occupy a unique position and have a peculiar …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Character of the New Testament Scripture.
"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full."--1 John i. 4. From the two preceding articles it is evident that the New Testament Scripture was not intended to bear the character of a notarial document. If this had been the Lord's intention we should have received something entirely different. It would have required a twofold legal evidence: In the first place, the proof that the events narrated in the New Testament actually occurred as related. Secondly, that the revelations received …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Communion of Goods.
"If we walk in the light, we have fellowship one with another."-- 1 John i. 7. The communion of saints is in the Light. In heaven alone, in the halls of the eternal Light, it shall shine with undimmed brightness. Even on earth its delights are known only inasmuch as the saints walk in the light. This communion of saints is a holy confederacy; a bond of shareholders in the same holy enterprise; a partnership of all God's children; an essential union for the enjoyment of a common good; a firm not of …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The External History of the Pelagian Controversy.
Pelagius seems to have been already somewhat softened by increasing age when he came to Rome about the opening of the fifth century. He was also constitutionally averse to controversy; and although in his zeal for Christian morals, and in his conviction that no man would attempt to do what he was not persuaded he had natural power to perform, he diligently propagated his doctrines privately, he was careful to rouse no opposition, and was content to make what progress he could quietly and without …
St. Augustine—Anti-Pelagian Writings

By the Same Author.
THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS. COLOSSIAN STUDIES. EPHESIAN STUDIES. TO MY YOUNGER BRETHREN ON PASTORAL LIFE AND WORK. OUTLINES OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. (In the Theological Educator Series.) VENI CREATOR: THOUGHTS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE. Third Edition. LIFE IN CHRIST AND FOR CHRIST. "NEED AND FULNESS." "PATIENCE AND COMFORT." THOUGHTS ON CHRISTIAN SANCTITY. THOUGHTS ON UNION WITH CHRIST. THOUGHTS ON THE SPIRITUAL LIFE. SECRET PRAYER. "AT THE HOLY COMMUNION." Thoughts for Preparation and Communion. …
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

Reception Christ Met With.
JOHN i. 1-18. In describing the Word of God, John mentions two attributes of His by which His relation to men becomes apparent: "All things were made by Him," and "the life was the light of men." By whom were all things made? what is the originating force which has produced the world? how are we to account for the existence, the harmony, and the progress of the universe?--these are questions which must always be put. Everywhere in nature force and intelligence appear; the supply of life and power …
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

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