TEXT: 1 John 1:1-2:2 (Esp. vv. 5-10)
READING: Isaiah 60:1-22
SUBJ: Three tests of salvation evidenced by the light of the life of God in us and the conclusion to be reached because of each and these based on the premise that there is no darkness in Him.
AIM: That we should indeed walk in the light as He is in the light and know true fellowship one with another and that our joy may be full (v. 4).
INTR: Often a false claim is put on display that the truth might be emphasized, and such is the case here.
1. Five times the word “if” is employed so that the conclusion may be drawn.
2. Three times a false claim is stated so that the answer to it may be given. In this way John lays great importance on a living relationship with the Lord.
3. The basis for these conditionals is found in verse 5 with the declaration that “God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
THESIS: Salvation is not to be compared to anything in this world. Rather, we have it fully defined in the revelation of God, of His Son, of His truth, and of His people – fellowship one with another.
I. The Repetition from John 1.1ff
1. John adds personal memory and experience in a very poignant way. v. 1
2. Eternal life that was with the Father and manifested. v. 2
3. John’s purpose declared – fellowship with John and with the Father and the Son.
4. Fulness of Joy to be had. V.4
II. Irreconcilable differences reconciled (vv. 5-7)
1. Consider something as simple as darkness and light and the impossibility of coexistence in a given place. And that there is no darkness in God – He is absolute light!
2. Consider further the darkness that engulfed Christ so that we might be brought to the light.
3. A false claim to fellowship with Him (v. 6)
1) We lie
2) We do not the truth as a matter of practice (cf lying and truthfulness)
4. Consider the revealing that light brings. Sin exposed, salvation revealed, way made plain, and we clearly see each other. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:21)
5. We realize the continuing cleansing of the blood:
1) A confidence to be had therein
2) The effects of it continually – we note that there was one day of atonement that stood for the whole year. The effects of the blood live on in those walking in the light.
3) There is experiential knowledge of such cleansing.
III. Deception averted (vv. 8-9)
1. If we say to ourselves that we have no sin, we are self-deceivers.
2. Taking our eyes off Christ easily leads to self righteousness and a false basis of security.
3. The seriousness of this is that the sacrifice of Christ is made to be less important.
1) If we have no sin, we do not need to be saved
2) If we do not need to be saved, then why did Christ die?
3) Such a thing is not because of indwelling truth. –the truth is not in us.
4. The implication of confession
1) Aaron confessed the sins of Israel over the scapegoat – confession is needed.
2) Confession indicates the convicting presence of the Holy Spirit.
3) That there is a specific sensitivity to the matter of sin – sin realized hurts!
5. The result of confession is that the faithfulness of God is revealed according to His promises in Christ our Lord.
6. But we will not come presuming on anything but, rather, seeking mercy.
IV. The absence of the Word (v. 10)
1. Often, we find ourselves with critical thoughts of those who fall under these conditionals when they should be the object of our compassion and concern. His Word is not in us. And so, Christ is not in us
2. To deny that we have sinned flies directly in the face of all that Christ has done. See Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
3. See further Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
4. Notice that here there is no remedy, only a conclusion.
5. It is prudent for the true believer to examine himself always under these “if’s” and seek to be found walking in the light and in fellowship with one another.
V. Another “if” (2:1-2)
1. We are to be on guard against sinning, but if we sin:
1) The advocate (paraclete)
2) From A. R. Faussett: “Advocacy is God’s family blessing; other blessings He Grants to good and bad alike, but justification, sanctification, continued intercession, and peace, He grants to His children alone.”
2. He is the propitiation.
1) The anger of God that might be brought to bear on us is no more.
2) It spent itself on our suffering substitute!
