In the last part of I John chapter one and the first verse of chapter two, there are a total of six "if" phrases or sentences. (May vary slightly in different versions but the emphasis should remain the same.)
The first two "ifs" remind us that we cannot have it both ways. We can choose a life of sin and lose out on fellowship with God and other Christians. But "if" we choose to walk in God's light of holiness, than we can truly enjoy real Christian fellowship. We see this play out many times in our churches and small groups. As Christians or "seekers" choose to move into a more sinful lifestyle, almost always they will withdraw more and more from the Christian community. Naturally, if you are rebelling against Christ, you will not,enjoy hanging around with those who love Him. You cannot enter into sincere talk about Christ and what is involved in following Him.
The next three "ifs" deal with the issue of sin. John calls us to be honest about our disobedience and sin. He writes against anyone who would claim that we gain "sinless perfection" this side of heaven. We who follow Christ must be quick to confess our sin and to accept the wonderful reality that we are forgiven through faith in Christ's death for us.
The last "if" is most encouraging. John affirms that one of his goals in writing about sin is to warn us away from choosing sin rather than holiness and righteousness. "But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father (and advocate) in our defence - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Don't you love that verse and that truth.
Once again I have to confess "Father, I have failed and sinned. Please forgive me. I am sorry." How amazing and encouraging to know that the One who is absolutely righteous stands in heaven as my advocate and speaks in my defence. His wounds are the visible evidence that He has paid the penalty for my disobedience. I am forgiven.
I hope you will take some time today - or sometime soon - to go back to these early verses in I John and enjoy meditating on six very important "ifs".
The first two "ifs" remind us that we cannot have it both ways. We can choose a life of sin and lose out on fellowship with God and other Christians. But "if" we choose to walk in God's light of holiness, than we can truly enjoy real Christian fellowship. We see this play out many times in our churches and small groups. As Christians or "seekers" choose to move into a more sinful lifestyle, almost always they will withdraw more and more from the Christian community. Naturally, if you are rebelling against Christ, you will not,enjoy hanging around with those who love Him. You cannot enter into sincere talk about Christ and what is involved in following Him.
The next three "ifs" deal with the issue of sin. John calls us to be honest about our disobedience and sin. He writes against anyone who would claim that we gain "sinless perfection" this side of heaven. We who follow Christ must be quick to confess our sin and to accept the wonderful reality that we are forgiven through faith in Christ's death for us.
The last "if" is most encouraging. John affirms that one of his goals in writing about sin is to warn us away from choosing sin rather than holiness and righteousness. "But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father (and advocate) in our defence - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Don't you love that verse and that truth.
Once again I have to confess "Father, I have failed and sinned. Please forgive me. I am sorry." How amazing and encouraging to know that the One who is absolutely righteous stands in heaven as my advocate and speaks in my defence. His wounds are the visible evidence that He has paid the penalty for my disobedience. I am forgiven.
I hope you will take some time today - or sometime soon - to go back to these early verses in I John and enjoy meditating on six very important "ifs".
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