Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Jesus Christ who sanctifies
1 John 1: 5-10“But 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, purifies us from all sin.” Vs.7
“I am the God who sanctifies you”. (Ex. 31:13, Lev. 20:8,21:8,22:32). God revealed Himself as “Yahweh Mekkodishkem”, the sanctifier of His people, consecrating them to walk in His will and purpose. In the old covenant, God gave ordinances to His people for purification through the blood of sacrificial animals which cleansed them outwardly. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that promise and those ordinances, accomplishing perfect sanctification by His unblemished blood for all who believe in Him, cleansing their consciences and making them holy to serve the living God (Heb. 9:14).
Apostle John wrote this epistle when many false doctrines and philosophies which denied sin were spreading. Regardless of the time, it is human tendency to lighten the seriousness of sin and its implications through denial, self-righteousness, and outward religiosity. The text for today emphasizes the reality of the sinful nature of man and its remedy through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Christian life is not just based on claims, but a true walk with God. Vs. 6 says that it is impossible for anyone to have fellowship with God, the true light while walking in the darkness of sin. Any claim of sinlessness or self-righteousness is a lie, making God a liar because the word of God says that no one can be righteous in himself (Rom. 3:23). Nothing can save us from the hopelessness of sin but the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Confession of our sins opens the path to our sanctification (Vs. 9). Confession is not just acknowledging our sins with words, but it is a cry from our hearts with true repentance and desire for cleansing, trusting in the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ. John gives us the assurance that God is faithful and just to forgive and purify us from all sins and unrighteousness. Therefore, no sinner is beyond hope.
Sanctification leads us to a new way of life. It is the beginning of a sweet fellowship with God and with one another, restoring us back to the purpose in creation for mankind to walk in divine glory. As it says in Col. 1:13, it is a transformation from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of His Son.
In a world of darkness, we the believers are the sanctified community and called to be the light of the world, inheriting His divine nature by walking in fellowship with God, the true light.
Apostle John wrote this epistle when many false doctrines and philosophies which denied sin were spreading. Regardless of the time, it is human tendency to lighten the seriousness of sin and its implications through denial, self-righteousness, and outward religiosity. The text for today emphasizes the reality of the sinful nature of man and its remedy through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Christian life is not just based on claims, but a true walk with God. Vs. 6 says that it is impossible for anyone to have fellowship with God, the true light while walking in the darkness of sin. Any claim of sinlessness or self-righteousness is a lie, making God a liar because the word of God says that no one can be righteous in himself (Rom. 3:23). Nothing can save us from the hopelessness of sin but the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Confession of our sins opens the path to our sanctification (Vs. 9). Confession is not just acknowledging our sins with words, but it is a cry from our hearts with true repentance and desire for cleansing, trusting in the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ. John gives us the assurance that God is faithful and just to forgive and purify us from all sins and unrighteousness. Therefore, no sinner is beyond hope.
Sanctification leads us to a new way of life. It is the beginning of a sweet fellowship with God and with one another, restoring us back to the purpose in creation for mankind to walk in divine glory. As it says in Col. 1:13, it is a transformation from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of His Son.
In a world of darkness, we the believers are the sanctified community and called to be the light of the world, inheriting His divine nature by walking in fellowship with God, the true light.
Prayer
Lord, we confess our sins and trust in the blood of Jesus Christ that is shed for our purification. We thank you for bringing us to the fellowship with you. Help us to walk in your will to fulfill the purpose for us, glorifying you in everything we do.
Thought for the Day
“Thy precious blood shall never lose its power,
till all the ransomed ones of God be saved,
to sin no more:”
(Song: “There is a Fountain” by William Cowper)
till all the ransomed ones of God be saved,
to sin no more:”
(Song: “There is a Fountain” by William Cowper)
Abey Cherian, St. Thomas Marthoma Church, NY