June 1, 2025

“…but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

1 John 1:7

The book of 1 John is one of my favorite books in the Bible, perhaps because, like many students of New Testament Greek, it was the first book I could translate and read with confidence. Verse 7 is particularly meaningful to me for reasons too extensive to detail here. Its profound truth—that the blood of Christ continually cleanses believers of their sins—offers immense hope and comfort. The Greek word for “cleanses” indicates an ongoing, continuous process of purification from sin.

Every Christian with any self-awareness knows the reality and burden of their own personal sin. David wrote, “For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me (Psalm 51:3).

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24). And, “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all (1 Timothy 1:15).

Our Lord Jesus spoke of the burdens of our sins saying, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest four your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30).

Thankfully, Christ came into the world to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). As John the Baptist said of Christ “Behold, athe Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29). Or as Christ says of Himself as the Last Supper, “for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28).

What greater comfort, hope, and peace can a self-aware believer find than resting in the promise of the effective and ongoing cleansing power of the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?