If
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. ~1 John 1:7
The word “if” is a word that involves a condition on the part of one or more parties to an agreement, contract, pact, or promise. It implies that for something to occur, one party must perform their part. It can have either a positive or negative implication. God has given us a free will to make choices and decisions. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth through His ministry that reproves of sin, righteousness, and judgment. However, we must make the appropriate choice for a condition to be fulfilled. In 1 John 1:6-10, the word “if” is used five times to refer to events that depend on us.
The “if” of correctness.
In v. 6 John said, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” In v. 8 John said, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” What John is referring to is the importance of being truthful and correct about our walk with God. It is a sin to say that we are something and live a life that depicts we are something else. The “if” of correctness confronts us about sins of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. In the end, if we are not truthful about our fellowship with God, we are deceiving ourselves. Are we living a life that only seeks to look good to others, or are we truthful about the flaws, sins, and shortcomings that we have?
The “if” of communion.
John said in v. 7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another.” Walking in the light as He is in the light is a life that is saturated in the Word of God. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." It is a life that is a shining witness of the grace of the Lord. Walking in the light is having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. John said that if we hate our brother, we are in darkness and not in light. Fellowship with the Lord walks in the light of His goodness. It’s up to you to walk in the light. Are you walking in the light as a child of light?
The “if” of confession.
In the midst of these truths, John gives us a wonderful promise. If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We must realize that we are in constant need of cleansing from sin in our life. Confession is when there is penitent and honest admission of our sin to God. It is personally calling out our sin and asking God for forgiveness. God will bother our conscience, but we must do the confessing. When confession is made, God is faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This means that honest confession results in us being completely cleansed from all sin. The precious blood of the Lord Jesus has continuous efficacy in cleansing us over and over.
The “if” means it’s up to you. Every Christian struggles in the areas of correctness, communion, and confession. God is always there to do His part. It is up to us to do our part. Don’t let the devil or flesh deceive you into making a wrong choice. Be courageous, and remember God loves you. “If” you don’t, you cause grief to yourself and God.
Have a truthful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Corinthians 5-8