St. John, in his
epistle, assures us that his knowledge of Christ is from a first-hand
experience. John testifies to the fact of Christ’s resurrection by recounting
how he has seen the resurrected
Savior, how he has heard him, and how
he has touched Him. We need have no
doubt that Christ is risen from the dead, and therefore, has forgiven all our
sins.
John explains that the message Christ gave these witnesses: God’ is light. When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with him and with each other.
To sin is to live in darkness. For this reason Christ came to the world; to expiate the sins of the world. To deny sin is to be untruthful. To confess sin is to be forgiven by God for Jesus’ sake.
John uses a strong
word; “expiation.” Expiation is more than covering our sin. Expiation
eradicates sin. John says the blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin. (v.7) Blood
means life and Jesus’ sacrifice of his life on the cross made it possible for
our sin to be washed away.
This leaves us spiritually clean and acceptable to God. It was Jesus’ sacrifice
that satisfied the justice of God. Grace is the fact that God paid the price
for us in Jesus.[1]
Prayer for
teaching the faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, even as
You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously
enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that
they may know Your eternal truth and trust in You all the days of their lives;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for
faith, hope, and love: Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in
Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one
another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[2] 08 April 2021—
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