Note for 20241226

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

According to John

Read Through The Bible

“As it Happened” Bible Reading Plan

Day 040

Exodus 30 to 32

Part 27 - 1 John 1 - Light and Darkness

The Audio Version of today’s note

The House of Bread · Voice Note for 20241226 - TheGospelofJesusChrist-Part27-1John1-LightandDarkness

1 John 1:1-10 KJV

[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; [2] (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) [3] that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. [4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. [5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [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. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

https://bible.com/bible/1/1jn.1.1-10.KJV

When we talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you do not ordinarily associate the letters of the Apostles as part of that. They are known as the Epistles of the Apostles. What we sit with in truth is the Testimony of those that witness for Christ Jesus. And as John opens this letter, that is pretty much what he writes.

In the Book of Revelation, we read how John was instructed to write on what had happened, what is (at the time he was living) and what was to come, which was revealed to Him on the Isle in Patmos. Now, we have read through the Book of Revelations, and the link to that series can be found on my website at www.thehouseofbread.co.za

In fact, since we have read the Book of Revelations that was written by John, all that we have read since is in response to what we have learned in Revelations. We are looking at how we may become a part of those that will be able to enter into the city of GOD that descends out of the New Heaven onto the New Earth as described to us by John in Revelation 21. That journey has been recorded in voice notes and is available on SoundCloud, the links to all these Playlists are available on the above-mentioned website, and on our blog. But you do not need all that if you have the Bible, and less so, if you are filled with the Holy Spirit of GOD. Just pray to God and ask Him to reveal to you what He has measured out for you to know. Ask on the Name of Jesus Christ, for Christ said, no one goes unto the Father except by Him.

Today we look at darkness and light. We read how we call GOD a liar, if we contradict what is in the Word of GOD. Then we stand on dangerous ground before the Throne of GOD. He that says that he has not sinned is a liar, and the Word of GOD is not in him. He is then in the darkness and not in the light of Jesus Christ. No! We confess our sin before God, Who is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to clean us from all unrighteousness. This chapter lays it out quite clearly.

Can we look at it in a simple form? If you cannot admit that you have sinned, then what is there to forgive? In you, you will not even consider that you need forgiveness, because somehow you have made what is wrong in you, right in your own eyes. When we admit our fault, we know what we bring before the Lord for forgiveness. If not, why would we ask for forgiveness at all; because then, we ourselves have judged it to be blameless. Then, instead of coming before the Judge of mankind, we consider ourselves righteous enough to make that judgment in ourselves. Then we think we do not have to bring it before the LORD, because there is nothing wrong with what we did. Hence, no admission of guilt and no repentance; thus, do we then stand in darkness, blind and deceived. This plays out in real time around us all the time, where we can observe this behaviour, and hopefully learn the error of our way. We don't apologise for something where we judge ourselves to stand in what is right. Then we expect an apology from the other party, not? But who determines what is right and wrong? Who sets the boundaries of good and evil in our lives? Yes, it is supposed to be The Word of GOD, but then we still have to deal with interpretation. The Word of GOD reveals to us that we all stand in error, all of us have sinned against one another and against GOD. He that thinks of himself that he is a "good man," judging himself more righteous than all others. That is pride, my friends. Jesus stated that there is none good but GOD, even speaking against someone that called Him good. GOD is good, and He is Righteous. To say anything other is to call Christ a liar.

At this point, I estimate that there might be some shifting around in their seats. Maybe a few will want to correct me in this matter and bring vast amounts of words to debate. But how do you get around this chapter in 1 John 1?

Now here is the beauty and the wonder of something relatively simple, and yet, so complex to come to the understanding thereof. When we reach the point when we can admit that we are sinners, we reach the place where the mercy and grace of GOD can work towards our Salvation. For one, then we stand in agreement with the Word of GOD. Then we stand in a place where we can admit our sin and repent of it, and in Christ there is forgiveness for the sin of mankind, for He died for sinners like you and me. Now that is established in understanding, I hope.

But then we must remain in that light that exposes the truth of us. We cannot then walk off into darkness again. When we are washed clean of our sin, then must we continue on without sin. If we have just been bathed, we cannot jump straight back into the mud again. There must remain in us that hope to remain clean, and that is by obeying the instruction of the LORD. To walk in the light, we strive for righteousness as defined by the Word of GOD and not by the justifications of our own carnal minds. To apply excuses is to cover up our wrong and to hide it once more again. So, as we find error, we come before the LORD and admit our sin. Repentance is to walk away from sin and towards righteousness. We should not call that which is good evil, and that which is evil good; is that not written too? The forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ is a salvation, not immunity. Sin is not without an account that must be paid. Payment is due. Now for sin, Christ paid the price by His sacrifice upon the cross. Shall we then crucify Christ over and over again?

As Kingdom representatives, we must remember Who we represent to the world of the Kingdom of GOD. We are called by the Name of Jesus Christ. So, we cannot go around as if we have diplomatic immunity but rather show the righteousness of Christ to all. So do we walk by the Spirit and live by the Holy Spirit. Which also means that we obey the instruction of the Lord our GOD. When we fail, and we will from time to time, then is there forgiveness for us in Jesus Christ. But, if we live in sin, then our own lives testify that Christ is not in us. Understand? We cannot live our lives as we did before we were saved by Christ. A change must come in us, that represents the Kingdom to which we were joined in Jesus Christ. If we are then as the world, then we are still part of the world. If as Christ, then of Christ.

In Jesus Christ your sin is forgiven. Go, then, and sin no more.

Shalom

The House of Bread

Verse of The Day

From the YouVersion Bible App

Matthew 2:10-11 KJV

[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. [11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.2.10-11.KJV

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