“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.” (1 John 1:7)

There is no greater privilege in this life than to be given the position in Christ, walking in the light. The light illuminates our pathway as we walk through this life as a pilgrim and a stranger in a strange land.

With this great privilege, we have been granted benefits to enjoy as well. But before we look at these benefits, let’s observe the condition set in place that will open the windows of heaven and pour us out a spiritual blessing.

Before we can enjoy the two benefits of 1 John 1:7, we must first “walk in the light.” To “walk in the light” is to walk in God’s Word. It is to be led by an illuminated conscience as we are governed by the Spirit of Truth, which indwells the spirit of every believer. This Light will give us perception of God’s Word, and application to our hearts, as we yield to the condition that will set the stage for two blessings, which are essential for the spiritual growth of every believer.

The first blessing a believer will receive as he walks in the light is fellowship with the brethren. If a believer is not walking in the light of obedience and fellowship with God, it will be impossible for him to be in fellowship with God’s people, seeing as how God’s people are in fellowship with God.

John 1:5 states that “the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” When a believer is not being led by the leadership of an illuminated conscience, he will be walking in darkness, and the believers that do walk in the light will repel such darkness. It can be likened to the age-old metaphor, “Oil and water don’t mix.”

Secondly, a believer who is walking in the light will receive the cleansing of his sins by the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ’s atoning Sacrifice. All born-again believers have been forgiven of their sins, but the believer who is obeying the light of the Holy Spirit’s conviction, will experience the cleansing of all his sins. He will grow in the grace and (even) knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). As the Holy Spirit applies the cleansing Power of the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ to the life of the obedient believer, the believer will experience life, and “have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

We must always keep in remembrance that Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy. He walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he will devour. It is God’s Will that we be strengthened with all might by His Spirit in the inner man, but this work of God’s grace is conditioned on our yielding to the obedience of faith.

As believers, we should desire the fellowship of the brethren and the life of righteousness. These desires are evidence of your faith as an Elect Child of God; and He is faithful to lead and guide you into all truth.