Our scripture this morning is 1 John 1:6-9.
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 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, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
John discusses the issues of sin, atonement and fellowship in these verses. Christians know we have sinned and the only remedy is going to God in repentance, confessing, and accepting His forgiveness. Nothing we can do will save us; only by going to the Lord for mercy can we be absolved.
Atonement is Christ’s sacrifice that allows us to be reconciled with God. Some people remember this as “at one -ment”, the gift Jesus gave to allow us to be at one with God. He has reached out to us with the blessing of His son and Jesus told us “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Christian fellowship can be described as shared knowledge of God’s light and love with one another. God’s faithful want to be associated with others who follow Jesus and strive to live as He taught us. It’s a preparation for the community of heaven. We all need to live in His love here to be ready for the life everlasting.
Loving Lord, You created us and gave us a beautiful world. When we fell into sin, You sent Your son to save us. Forgive us and send us to share Your love with all Your children everywhere. Amen.
