Part 5 of 12 of the theme 'Answers to Questions' by Gijs van den Brink
About this the apostle John wrote very clearly in his first letter. First, he makes it clear that all people sin, including us as believers. He says in chapter 1:10 'If we say that we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and his word is not in us.
But the difference between a Christian and an unbeliever is that a Christian admits and acknowledges when he has sinned. And then we confess our sin and receive forgiveness (1Jn.2:2). Now what happens when we say we believe in Jesus but do not admit a sin? We say that it is not a sin and that God understands that we do.
John also talks about this and gives an example in 1John.2:9-11, "Whoever says he is in the light but hates his brother or sister is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves the other remains in the light and does not fall, 11 but whoever hates the other is in darkness. He goes his way in darkness, not knowing where that way leads, for darkness has blinded him."
The example is about a Christian who hates another. But the same goes for a Christian who steals or who commits adultery or whatever sin. John is talking about someone who claims to be a Christian, but just continues to do things that are clearly sinful. What happens to such a person?
Sin brings separation between God and people. This is true not only among unbelievers, but also among believers. It means that the light of God in my life begins to shine less brightly. The peace and tranquility of the Holy Spirit becomes less. Prayer no longer goes so well. You become tense.
Instead of the light of God, darkness comes into your life. And we know what that means. When we walk in the woods in the dark, it is very difficult to find our way. You stumble over the smallest things and you bump your head on low-hanging branches.
In the darkness you walk like a blind man. You can no longer see the road ahead clearly. Where should I go? You start doubting everything, the goodness of God or even the existence of God. And this gets worse and worse and it gets darker and darker.
Until you realize you are doing wrong and start confessing sin. Then hate turns into love. Then lies change back into truth.
Then the light of God is going to shine in your life again. Then you start to see your path of life clearly again. Then you no longer doubt, but you know what God asks of you. Your conscience is clear again.
Then the light of God will shine in you again and that light can warm others.
You become a blessing to others again.
As John says "he who loves abides in the light of God and does not fall."
Next time: Part 6 of the series 'Answers to questions' is entitled 'What does the Bible say about the value and position of women?'
See also: Part 4 of 12 of the theme 'Answers to questions‘ "Is it possible for a Christian to lose his preservation?
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 5 of 12 from the theme "Answers to Questions' Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
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