1 John 1:7
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But if we walk in the light - If, having received the principle of holiness from him, we live a holy and righteous life, deriving continual light, power, and life from him, then we have fellowship one with another; that is, we have communion with God, and God condescends to hold communion with us. This appears to be the intention of the apostle; and so he was understood by some versions and MSS., which, instead of μετ' αλληλων, with each other, have μετ' αυτον, with him. Those who are deeply experienced in Divine things converse with God, and God with them. What John says is no figure; God and a holy heart are in continual correspondence. The blood of Jesus Christ - The meritorious efficacy of his passion and death has purged our consciences from dead works, and cleanseth us, καθαριζει ἡμας, continues to cleanse us, i.e., to keep clean what it has made clean, (for it requires the same merit and energy to preserve holiness in the soul of man, as to produce it), or, as several MSS. and some versions read, καθαριει and καθαρισει, will cleanse; speaking of those who are already justified, and are expecting full redemption in his blood. And being cleansed from all sin is what every believer should look for, what he has a right to expect, and what he must have in this life, in order to be prepared to meet his God. Christ is not a partial Savior, he saves to the uttermost, and he cleanses from All sin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Compare Eph 5:8, Eph 5:11-14. "WE WALK"; "God is (essentially in His very nature as 'the light,' Jo1 1:5) in the light." WALKING in the light, the element in which God Himself is, constitutes the test of fellowship with Him. Christ, like us, walked in the light (Jo1 2:6). ALFORD notices, Walking in the light as He is in the light, is no mere imitation of God, but an identity in the essential element of our daily walk with the essential element of God's eternal being. we have fellowship one with another--and of course with God (to be understood from Jo1 1:6). Without having fellowship with God there can be no true and Christian fellowship one with another (compare Jo1 1:3). and--as the result of "walking in the light, as He is in the light." the blood of Jesus . . . cleanseth us from all sin--daily contracted through the sinful weakness of the flesh, and the power of Satan and the world. He is speaking not of justification through His blood once for all, but of the present sanctification ("cleanseth" is present tense) which the believer, walking in the light and having fellowship with God and the saints, enjoys as His privilege. Compare Joh 13:10, Greek, "He that has been bathed, needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit." Compare Jo1 1:9, "cleanse us from all unrighteousness," a further step besides "forgiving us our sins." Christ's blood is the cleansing mean, whereby gradually, being already justified and in fellowship with God, we become clean from all sin which would mar our fellowship with God. Faith applies the cleansing, purifying blood. Some oldest manuscripts omit "Christ"; others retain it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if we walk in the light,.... Are persons enlightened by the Spirit of God, so as to have a true sight and sense of sin, to know Christ, and the way of salvation by him; and are children of the light, and are going on and increasing in spiritual light and knowledge; walk on in Christ, the light, by faith, and in the light and truth of the Gospel, and as becomes it, and as children of light; and as such who are called out of darkness into marvellous light: as he is in the light; according to the light which he has given, who is light itself, is in it, and dwells in it. This "as" denotes not equality, but likeness: when this is the case, then it is a clear point, that we have fellowship one with another; not with the saints, with the apostles, and other Christians, but with God: "we have mutual communion", as the Arabic version renders it; God with us, and we with him. Some copies read, "with him", as in Jo1 1:6; and such a reading the sense requires; and agreeably to this the Ethiopic version renders it, "and we are partakers among ourselves with him"; that is, we all jointly and mutually appear to be like him, and partake of his nature, and have communion with him; and not only so, but with his Son Jesus Christ, as appears from our having a share in the cleansing efficacy of his blood: and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin: there is a pollution on human nature, which is original, natural, universal, and internal, and is such that nothing can remove but the blood of Christ; not ceremonial ablutions and sacrifices, nor moral duties, nor evangelical performances, or submission to Gospel ordinances, and particularly baptism, which is not the putting away the faith of the flesh; nor even the graces of the Spirit, no, not faith, no otherwise than as it has to do with this blood; for this cleansing is not to be understood of sanctification, for that more properly belongs to the Spirit of God, and besides, does not cleanse from all sin; for notwithstanding this, sin is in the saints: but either of the atonement of sin, by the sacrifice of Christ, and so of a complete justification from it by his blood, which is put for both his active and passive obedience, the one being finished in the other; or rather of the pardon of sin, procured by the blood of Christ, and the application of that blood to the conscience, which purges it from dead works, and which has a continued virtue in it for that purpose. Christ's blood, being applied by the Spirit of God, has been always cleansing from sin; it had this virtue in it, and was of this use, even before it was actually shed, to the Old Testament saints; whence Christ is said to be the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world; and it has the same efficacy now as when first shed, and will have to the end of the world; and being sprinkled upon the conscience, by the Spirit of God, it takes away the sins of believers, and cleanses from them, as fast as the corruption of nature rises, or sins appear; and removes them out of their sight, and speaks peace to their souls; and which is owing, as to the dignity of Christ's person and the value of his sacrifice, so to his continual intercession, advocacy, and mediation; and which reaches to all sin, original and actual, secret and open sins; sins of heart, thought, lip, and life; sins of omission and commission, greater or lesser sins, committed against light and knowledge, grace and mercy, law and Gospel, all but the sin against the Holy Ghost; and in this Christ was the antitype of the scape goat, of which the Jews say (g), that "it atoned for all the transgressions of the law, whether small or great, sins of presumption, or of ignorance, known, or not known, which were against an affirmative or negative command, which deserved cutting off (by the hand of God), or death by the sanhedrim.'' The Arabic and Ethiopic versions render it, "from all our sins"; and this must be ascribed to the greatness of his person, as the Son of God; wherefore the emphasis lies on these words, "his Son": the Son of God, who is equal with God, and is truly and properly God: as it must be the blood of man that must, according to the law, be shed, to atone for and expiate sin, and cleanse from it, and that of an innocent man, who is holy, harmless, and without sin; so it must not be the blood of a mere man, though ever so holy, but the blood of one that is God as well as man; see Act 20:28. The divine nature of the Son of God, being in union with the human nature, put virtue into his blood to produce such an effect, which still continues, and will, as long as there is any occlusion for it. (g) Misn. Shebuot, c. 1. sect. 6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:7 Believers have fellowship with each other and with God as they live in the light. People cannot say they commune with God and then refuse to have fellowship with God’s people. This was the case with the Gnostics. The apostles of Christ had known Jesus Christ as God-in-the-flesh and were continuing to have spiritual fellowship with him (1:3).
1 John 1:7
Walking in the Light
6If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7But 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Pure Heart - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill26K26:44RepentanceGEN 7:16PSA 51:2PSA 51:10ISA 1:18MAT 6:33ACT 5:31JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and examples to emphasize the importance of being careful with our actions and choices. He highlights the concept of reaping what we sow and warns against committing adultery and other sinful acts. The preacher also shares a story about a woman who stole a swimsuit and the guilt she carried for years until she confessed and sought forgiveness. He emphasizes the need for repentance and forgiveness, both from God and from others. The sermon also touches on the need for a genuine relationship with God and the danger of having a cold or stony heart. The preacher challenges the audience to examine their hearts and consider the state of their relationship with God.
Christ Lord and Master
By Oswald J. Smith10K1:02:52Lordship Of Jesus ChristMAT 6:33ACT 1:8ROM 8:28EPH 5:19PHP 4:13JAS 4:81JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the blessings and grace that God has bestowed upon the church and its members. They also mention the success of their television ministry in reaching and impacting people's lives. The speaker then leads the congregation in a hymn and encourages them to sing more enthusiastically. They emphasize the importance of walking in the light and having fellowship with one another through the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the sick and a request to remember those who have passed away.
Dr. Orr's Testimony
By J. Edwin Orr8.9K43:53TestimonyMAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 24:47JHN 3:16ACT 2:381JN 1:7REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of revival and missionary work. They mention a time when they were in college and witnessed many conversions and dedication to the mission theme. They also talk about a revival they were a part of in New Zealand, where they saw the community being revived. The speaker then shares a disappointing experience where they were offered a salary to do missionary work but the offer fell through. They had to go back to secular employment to support their family during the Depression. The sermon also includes some humorous anecdotes about students finding a way to smoke during compulsory chapel sessions. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying dedicated to God and experiencing a close relationship with Him.
Humility vs Pride
By Gerhard Du Toit5.9K10:05PridePRO 16:18ISA 57:15ACT 4:31ROM 12:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:61JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's relationship with God and others. The speaker contrasts a prideful heart with a broken heart before God, highlighting the humility and dependence that comes with a broken Christian life. They emphasize the need for confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation in relationships, as well as the importance of serving others with a selfless and compassionate spirit. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to cultivate a broken heart before God, acknowledging their own unworthiness and relying on His grace and forgiveness.
(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): The Church in the Rut
By A.W. Tozer5.1K36:31Religious RutDEU 1:6MAT 28:18ACT 1:81CO 10:101JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a radio signal fading out as one travels away from the city to illustrate how the passing of time can dull a person's religious feelings. He emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the sovereign Lord with all authority in heaven and earth. The preacher urges listeners to not wait for time but to come to the remedy of the precious blood of Jesus that cleanses from all sins and the Holy Spirit who gives life. He warns against being discouraged and encourages taking action to shake oneself out of a spiritual rut. The preacher also highlights how society conditions people to think sinfully and emphasizes the need to resist this influence.
(Hebrews - Part 44): The Root of Bitterness
By A.W. Tozer5.0K23:22ExpositionalMAT 6:33GAL 5:16EPH 5:15HEB 12:141PE 5:81JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and watchful in their spiritual lives. He compares the challenges and dangers faced by believers to various threats in the natural world, such as blight, insects, birds, drought, and frost. The preacher highlights the importance of not failing to respond to God's grace and warns against allowing roots of jealousy, evil temper, pride, deceit, and spite to take hold in one's heart. He likens the church to an army in the field, constantly facing danger and requiring constant vigilance to stay alive. The preacher urges believers to follow peace with all men in holiness and to be on guard against any root of bitterness that may trouble them and defile others.
Walking in the Light
By Jack Hayford4.5K50:46PSA 86:11MAT 18:20ACT 2:42ROM 7:171JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a funny incident involving a little boy named Kyle. The speaker emphasizes that children often do funny things without realizing it, which adds to the humor. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of having a circle of believers who can support and build each other up in their faith. They highlight the need for individuals to make a decision to actively seek out this kind of fellowship and unity. The speaker also references biblical examples, such as David and Jesus' teachings, to emphasize the significance of being connected to others in the faith.
Intimate Union
By Art Katz3.6K35:43ReconciliationMAT 5:39MAT 22:37GAL 2:20EPH 5:31PHP 3:81JN 1:7REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of intimate union with Christ Jesus. He highlights the example of the apostle Paul, who considered everything else as loss compared to the knowledge and experience of being united with Christ. The speaker emphasizes that this union is not just a technical or superficial relationship, but a deep and vital joining with Christ in his suffering, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. The speaker also mentions the need for self-denial and delayed gratification in our relationships, contrasting it with the casual and indifferent attitude many have towards God.
Others
By Denny Kenaston3.5K59:55Loving OthersROM 12:10ROM 15:7GAL 5:13EPH 4:2EPH 5:21COL 3:161TH 5:11HEB 10:24JAS 5:161PE 3:81PE 4:91JN 1:71JN 3:161JN 3:181JN 3:23In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching to children on a bus route and how it changed his life. He emphasizes the importance of using simple illustrations to hold the attention of young listeners and share the message of Jesus. The speaker also mentions the impact of sending young people on missions trips, hoping they will become addicted to serving others and make it a guiding principle in their lives. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the profound words spoken by Jesus on the cross, specifically his plea for forgiveness for those who crucified him.
He Is Able (2 of 2) - 1955
By Leonard Ravenhill3.2K22:10Full SalvationHEB 8:6HEB 9:23HEB 10:4HEB 10:19HEB 10:22HEB 13:121JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher recounts a story about a criminal named Connell who was sentenced to death. The preacher, Philip Dodridge, tried his best to save Connell by using all his resources and efforts. However, despite his efforts, Connell was still executed. The preacher reflects on the limitations of human power and emphasizes the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. He highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus as the only way to be saved from sin and eternal damnation.
(Through the Bible) 1 John 1-2:11
By Chuck Smith3.0K1:09:09Through The BibleROM 3:111JN 1:71JN 2:41JN 2:61JN 3:21JN 3:7In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who had been living a miserable and mean life for over 16 years. One day, his little daughter came running to him, but he pushed her away and she got seriously burned. Feeling remorseful, the man approached the preacher and asked if God could forgive him for his past actions. The preacher assured him that the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse a person from all sin, no matter how dark or bleak their past may be. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel and the hope it offers to all who confess their sins and seek forgiveness.
When I See the Blood
By Roy Hession3.0K26:18Blood Of ChristEXO 12:3MAT 6:33ROM 3:25HEB 9:221PE 1:181JN 1:7REV 12:11In this sermon, Roy Hessian emphasizes the importance of the blood of Jesus Christ in the Christian life. He highlights that the Christian journey is not a static experience but a continuous walk, where the present moment is always important. Hessian emphasizes that we should not rely on our own strength but on the blood of Jesus. He also references the story of the deliverance of the Israelites from God's judgment on the Passover night as a powerful illustration of the significance of the blood of Christ.
First Epistle of John - Part 1
By Keith Daniel2.7K50:57Bible ReadingISA 7:14MAT 6:33JHN 1:1JHN 1:14ROM 6:161TI 3:161JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from a life of sin. He highlights the power of God's forgiveness and the ability to overcome failures through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The preacher references various Bible verses, including Isaiah 7:14, which prophesies the birth of Jesus as Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." The sermon concludes with the apostle John's reflection on the manifestation of God in the flesh and the assurance that believers are called the sons of God, with the promise of being transformed to be like Him when He appears.
(Women) 01. Marriage Is Honourable
By Keith Daniel2.6K1:09:47MarriageMAT 5:21JHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 14:6JHN 15:5HEB 13:41JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of faithfulness and trust in the world, particularly in marriages. However, their perspective changes when they meet their new neighbors who are born again Christians and serve Christ together. The speaker is amazed by the couple's dedication to God and their efforts to share the message of Jesus. The sermon takes a personal turn when the speaker reunites with the couple after many years and learns that they have gone through a divorce and faced numerous tragedies. The speaker ponders the tragic ending to their marriage and family, but does not delve into the details out of respect for their privacy.
New Birth (Rora 2003)
By Norman Meeten2.5K1:26:49New BirthMAT 6:33JHN 6:63ROM 15:42TI 3:161PE 3:151JN 1:71JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a testimony of Jesus in our daily lives. He highlights the impossibility of embracing this without the constant supply of the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a man who confessed his faith in Jesus but had a huge problem - his wife was dying of cancer. The speaker and a few others visited the woman and witnessed her emaciated state, yet she still had a smile on her face. This story serves as a reminder of the stark contrast between the material abundance in some parts of the world and the extreme poverty and suffering in others.
Walking in Holiness
By Luis Palau2.5K29:38JHN 13:1ROM 12:1HEB 9:14HEB 10:171JN 1:7Holiness is described as walking in the light with God, maintaining a transparent conscience, and ensuring there is nothing between you and your heavenly Father. The sermon delves into the powerful scene of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, highlighting Peter's initial resistance, the need for humility, and the cleansing power of Jesus' act. It emphasizes the importance of confessing sins, seeking forgiveness, and presenting one's body as a living sacrifice to God for a transformed and obedient lifestyle.
"The Lamb of God" Part 2
By Joshua Daniel2.4K27:18GEN 22:7PSA 119:105ISA 53:7JHN 1:29JHN 14:6ROM 8:37HEB 9:141PE 1:191JN 1:7REV 12:11This sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God, drawing parallels between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It highlights the power of the blood of the Lamb to overcome evil and the importance of holding onto faith in God's promises even in times of trouble and unbelief. The speaker encourages a deep focus on Jesus, the Lamb of God, who brings deliverance, peace, and love to those who turn to Him.
No Condemnation
By F.J. Huegel2.3K45:27MRK 11:23ROM 8:11JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and negative influences of the world. They emphasize the importance of remembering that the blood of Jesus washes away all sins. The speaker also encourages listeners to adopt a positive mindset, like the apostle Paul, who believed in the freedom from condemnation through Christ. They share a powerful illustration of a drowning man being saved at the last moment to illustrate the need for complete surrender to God. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of faith and the victory over condemnation through Jesus.
K-198 the Anatomy of Sin Part Two
By Art Katz2.2K56:12SinMAT 24:14JHN 8:32ROM 1:20ROM 3:20HEB 9:191JN 1:7JUD 1:3In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of encountering a man with an artificial limb. Despite not speaking the same language, the speaker felt compelled to help the man and was struck by the absence of brutality and horror in his face. This encounter led the speaker to reflect on the importance of contending for the faith and not reducing it to mere rituals or convenience. The speaker emphasizes the need to truly understand the significance of the blood of Jesus and to be genuinely grieved by our sins.
09-10-80 10a Part I
By Bertha Smith2.1K55:36Christian LifePSA 119:105PRO 27:19MAT 6:33ROM 3:232CO 3:18JAS 1:221JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of examining the Bible like a mirror. He highlights that the Chinese view reading the Bible as examining it to find every relevant passage on a specific subject. The preacher emphasizes the need for guidance and extra Bible classes to understand and link up these passages. The sermon also touches on the concept of purity, using the analogy of a bride's costume to represent it. The preacher expresses concern over rushed wedding ceremonies and urges Christians to be true to their vows until death separates them. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God is always present with believers and that they do not need to beg for His presence.
Defective Consecration - Part 2
By Manley Beasley2.1K17:31ConsecrationMAT 6:33LUK 9:23ROM 6:162CO 5:17EPH 4:27JAS 4:171JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of yielding all aspects of our lives to Jesus. He uses the analogy of owning a piece of land, where if we give 39 acres to God but keep one acre for ourselves, the devil still has a foothold in our lives. The preacher urges the congregation to keep their obedience up to date and to address any known sins in their lives. He also mentions the need for moral change and shares a story about a woman who was freed from something but doesn't explicitly mention what it was. The sermon concludes with a call to worship and surrender all to Jesus.
The Spirit 01 - 1 John 1: Grieve Not
By Alden Gannett2.0K42:32GrievingMAT 6:33JHN 1:1HEB 4:121JN 1:11JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of living a lie and pretending to be a Christian when one is not truly born again. He urges anyone in the congregation who is living a lie to confess their hypocrisy and call upon Jesus Christ for salvation. The cure for walking in darkness, according to the preacher, is to walk in the light of God. He emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God and with other believers, and highlights the message that God is light before God is love. The preacher also shares a personal story of a woman who realized she was living a lie and took steps to walk with God and restore her testimony.
Perfect Cleansing
By Stephen Olford1.8K47:44CleansingPSA 32:5PSA 103:12ISA 55:7MAT 6:33ROM 6:141JN 1:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the way of perfect cleansing and the discovery that no change takes place in a person after they are converted. The speaker uses a story of two boys fighting to illustrate the need for forgiveness and the importance of not harboring anger in one's heart. The speaker then goes on to explain how the sewage system in London symbolizes the corruption of the human heart and how it is ultimately cleansed. The sermon concludes with the reminder that everyone is a sinner by nature, practice, and design, and that victory can only be found by relying on the indwelling life of Christ.
Jap-04 True Fellowship
By Art Katz1.7K55:43JapaneseLEV 11:44PSA 24:7MAT 16:24JHN 4:241CO 14:262CO 3:18HEB 10:19JAS 5:161PE 4:171JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling burdened and convicted to confess their faults in church. They emphasize the importance of confession in building a true community and moving from an institutional mindset to a more authentic church experience. The speaker encourages everyone, including ministers, women, and single men, to form small groups and confess their faults to one another. The ultimate goal is to open the gates for the King of Glory to enter and bring about transformation and holiness in the church.
One Sin Will Destroy You
By Bob Jennings1.7K08:35PSA 119:105PRO 4:18JHN 3:19EPH 5:81JN 1:7Walking in the light is emphasized as the path to finding joy, a clear conscience, and a close relationship with God. The sermon highlights the importance of addressing any darkness in our hearts, as it hinders our spiritual growth and effectiveness in God's kingdom. It warns against the deception and destructive nature of hidden sins, urging believers to step into the light for repentance and restoration.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But if we walk in the light - If, having received the principle of holiness from him, we live a holy and righteous life, deriving continual light, power, and life from him, then we have fellowship one with another; that is, we have communion with God, and God condescends to hold communion with us. This appears to be the intention of the apostle; and so he was understood by some versions and MSS., which, instead of μετ' αλληλων, with each other, have μετ' αυτον, with him. Those who are deeply experienced in Divine things converse with God, and God with them. What John says is no figure; God and a holy heart are in continual correspondence. The blood of Jesus Christ - The meritorious efficacy of his passion and death has purged our consciences from dead works, and cleanseth us, καθαριζει ἡμας, continues to cleanse us, i.e., to keep clean what it has made clean, (for it requires the same merit and energy to preserve holiness in the soul of man, as to produce it), or, as several MSS. and some versions read, καθαριει and καθαρισει, will cleanse; speaking of those who are already justified, and are expecting full redemption in his blood. And being cleansed from all sin is what every believer should look for, what he has a right to expect, and what he must have in this life, in order to be prepared to meet his God. Christ is not a partial Savior, he saves to the uttermost, and he cleanses from All sin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Compare Eph 5:8, Eph 5:11-14. "WE WALK"; "God is (essentially in His very nature as 'the light,' Jo1 1:5) in the light." WALKING in the light, the element in which God Himself is, constitutes the test of fellowship with Him. Christ, like us, walked in the light (Jo1 2:6). ALFORD notices, Walking in the light as He is in the light, is no mere imitation of God, but an identity in the essential element of our daily walk with the essential element of God's eternal being. we have fellowship one with another--and of course with God (to be understood from Jo1 1:6). Without having fellowship with God there can be no true and Christian fellowship one with another (compare Jo1 1:3). and--as the result of "walking in the light, as He is in the light." the blood of Jesus . . . cleanseth us from all sin--daily contracted through the sinful weakness of the flesh, and the power of Satan and the world. He is speaking not of justification through His blood once for all, but of the present sanctification ("cleanseth" is present tense) which the believer, walking in the light and having fellowship with God and the saints, enjoys as His privilege. Compare Joh 13:10, Greek, "He that has been bathed, needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit." Compare Jo1 1:9, "cleanse us from all unrighteousness," a further step besides "forgiving us our sins." Christ's blood is the cleansing mean, whereby gradually, being already justified and in fellowship with God, we become clean from all sin which would mar our fellowship with God. Faith applies the cleansing, purifying blood. Some oldest manuscripts omit "Christ"; others retain it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if we walk in the light,.... Are persons enlightened by the Spirit of God, so as to have a true sight and sense of sin, to know Christ, and the way of salvation by him; and are children of the light, and are going on and increasing in spiritual light and knowledge; walk on in Christ, the light, by faith, and in the light and truth of the Gospel, and as becomes it, and as children of light; and as such who are called out of darkness into marvellous light: as he is in the light; according to the light which he has given, who is light itself, is in it, and dwells in it. This "as" denotes not equality, but likeness: when this is the case, then it is a clear point, that we have fellowship one with another; not with the saints, with the apostles, and other Christians, but with God: "we have mutual communion", as the Arabic version renders it; God with us, and we with him. Some copies read, "with him", as in Jo1 1:6; and such a reading the sense requires; and agreeably to this the Ethiopic version renders it, "and we are partakers among ourselves with him"; that is, we all jointly and mutually appear to be like him, and partake of his nature, and have communion with him; and not only so, but with his Son Jesus Christ, as appears from our having a share in the cleansing efficacy of his blood: and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin: there is a pollution on human nature, which is original, natural, universal, and internal, and is such that nothing can remove but the blood of Christ; not ceremonial ablutions and sacrifices, nor moral duties, nor evangelical performances, or submission to Gospel ordinances, and particularly baptism, which is not the putting away the faith of the flesh; nor even the graces of the Spirit, no, not faith, no otherwise than as it has to do with this blood; for this cleansing is not to be understood of sanctification, for that more properly belongs to the Spirit of God, and besides, does not cleanse from all sin; for notwithstanding this, sin is in the saints: but either of the atonement of sin, by the sacrifice of Christ, and so of a complete justification from it by his blood, which is put for both his active and passive obedience, the one being finished in the other; or rather of the pardon of sin, procured by the blood of Christ, and the application of that blood to the conscience, which purges it from dead works, and which has a continued virtue in it for that purpose. Christ's blood, being applied by the Spirit of God, has been always cleansing from sin; it had this virtue in it, and was of this use, even before it was actually shed, to the Old Testament saints; whence Christ is said to be the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world; and it has the same efficacy now as when first shed, and will have to the end of the world; and being sprinkled upon the conscience, by the Spirit of God, it takes away the sins of believers, and cleanses from them, as fast as the corruption of nature rises, or sins appear; and removes them out of their sight, and speaks peace to their souls; and which is owing, as to the dignity of Christ's person and the value of his sacrifice, so to his continual intercession, advocacy, and mediation; and which reaches to all sin, original and actual, secret and open sins; sins of heart, thought, lip, and life; sins of omission and commission, greater or lesser sins, committed against light and knowledge, grace and mercy, law and Gospel, all but the sin against the Holy Ghost; and in this Christ was the antitype of the scape goat, of which the Jews say (g), that "it atoned for all the transgressions of the law, whether small or great, sins of presumption, or of ignorance, known, or not known, which were against an affirmative or negative command, which deserved cutting off (by the hand of God), or death by the sanhedrim.'' The Arabic and Ethiopic versions render it, "from all our sins"; and this must be ascribed to the greatness of his person, as the Son of God; wherefore the emphasis lies on these words, "his Son": the Son of God, who is equal with God, and is truly and properly God: as it must be the blood of man that must, according to the law, be shed, to atone for and expiate sin, and cleanse from it, and that of an innocent man, who is holy, harmless, and without sin; so it must not be the blood of a mere man, though ever so holy, but the blood of one that is God as well as man; see Act 20:28. The divine nature of the Son of God, being in union with the human nature, put virtue into his blood to produce such an effect, which still continues, and will, as long as there is any occlusion for it. (g) Misn. Shebuot, c. 1. sect. 6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:7 Believers have fellowship with each other and with God as they live in the light. People cannot say they commune with God and then refuse to have fellowship with God’s people. This was the case with the Gnostics. The apostles of Christ had known Jesus Christ as God-in-the-flesh and were continuing to have spiritual fellowship with him (1:3).