Actually that was good. what is John saying:
1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Jn 1:7 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.
notice that if we do not "do" the truth if we walk in darkness but if we walk in light then the blood cleanses us from all sin.
Where do we start then, in light or darkness?
Joh 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Joh 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Joh 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
So we start in darkness and come into the light. So in order to come into the light and receive forgiveness we must acknowledge that we are sinners in need of cleansing thus the next verse:
1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
this verse lines up with verse 6 that said those who walk in darkness do not the truth.
So what happens then if we acknowledge our sin?
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
we are forgiven and cleansed that means no more sin. but then the sentiment from verse 8 is repeated:
1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
So the issue that John is dealing with here is that only those who know their sinners and confess can find forgiveness.
There is no hint at all that John is trying to state a constant truth that we will never be able to be without sin. In fact He makes that clear in the next verse:
1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
He wrote it so that we wont sin. The next part is not suggesting we will but is on the same vain as He was speaking on last chapter. Namely if you see your sin don't be discouraged we have an advocate.
What makes it more abundantly clear is the very fact that After dealing here with the cleansing power of Jesus blood and intercession before the Father John goes on to speak of the victory of the one who has acknowledged Their sin and been cleansed.
1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
notice that the same Idea is being used here. remember chapter 1:
1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
No fellowship we do not the truth and again here, If we do not keep the commandments then we don't know Him. both use the word lie/liar.
and again skipping to chapter 3 to keep it shorter:
1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1Jn 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
So John most clearly begins with where we start, in darkness and sin, but when we come into the light we confess our sins and Jesus cleanses us form all unrighteousness. Then by Christ in us we cease to sin. In other words we cease from our works/sin. for the wages (wages are paid to workers) of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.
If you continue to sin then you still work and have not yet found rest in Christ. why not do so now, accept his promises and hold them by faith. see what happens.
