And there have I, though vile as he,
Washed all my sins away.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (I Jn. 1:7)
All sins, past, present, and future, have been washed away at the cross. The one who denies the cross deceives himself, becomes an enemy of God, and lives in darkness. The one who receives the message of the cross knows the truth, fellowships with God, and walks in the light. The one who walks in the light is as a bird living in the sun, inspired by it, filled with it, and singing because of it. God’s light illuminates man’s soul, inspires him, fills him, and gives him a reason to sing.
We cannot attain the perfection of purity and truth which belong to God alone, but we can behold the Lord before us and endeavor to conform our lives to His Word. His pure and holy light radiating from the cross pierces through the shadows of our souls. It reaches into the depths of our being, going to the innermost and darkest spot within us. When we look to the cross, we are no longer slaves to selfish thoughts that lead to corruption, defilement, and guilt. The truth has come alive within us. Life-giving thoughts of joy, hope, and love burst forth from us. Before we met Jesus we walked in darkness. But now that we know Him, the chains of sin and selfishness are broken, He frees and cleanses us. We ought to view ourselves as God does—through Jesus’ blood—rather than as we were, weighed down with guilt and shame. Though the enemy of our soul will try to cripple our peace, reminding us of our sinfulness and imperfections, we can meet his accusations by walking in the light, adhering to the truth of His Word (the Gospel), and refusing to walk in the past stormy darkness of our soul.
What evidence is there that the light of God is shining in your heart? How is He revealing His love and grace to you? How are you growing in love and graciousness? The blessings of fellowship with God and perfect cleansing are tethered to walking in the light. Let the cleansing blood of Jesus illuminate your life so that you may see clearly. When you do, it will be no more possible for you to remain cold and selfish than it is for ice to remain frozen in the sunlight. Do not dwell in the night that has darkened your soul, rather, look to the day that bursts forth above you; the heaven that is breaking through the clouds over you. This is your day to look up. Look to the cross and proclaim, “And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.”