Judgment begins at “the house of God,” so Jesus deals with the seven churches before He deals with the lost world. These churches in Revelation 2 illustrate the good and the bad in churches everywhere and in every age. If you were looking for a church to join, which of these seven would you select?

Many theologians also describe these churches as a progression of phases in Christianity and a description of the spiritual condition of the city churches from the first established church to the spiritual condition of the church when Christ returns. “No one knows the day or the hour” of Christ’s return, but we can see we are experiencing the final phase in the current cultural climate in our world. The spiritual condition and the sin of the world is progressively waxing worse as scripture pronounces.

“...while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13 (ESV)

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ Revelation 2:1–7 (ESV)

There is so much good in the church of Ephesus that we are surprised to discover they had left (not lost) their first love. “The honeymoon was over,” says Warren Wiersbe! No amount of separation, sacrifice, or service can make up for our lack of love toward the Lord. The word Nicolaitans means “conquer the people.” Apparently, a group in the church lorded it over the people and promoted a separation of “clergy” and “laity.” They had correct doctrine, but not a correct heart. The key word here is first.

As with romantic love between a man and a woman, first love always involves passion. Yet there was not passionate pursuit of an intimate relationship with Christ in the church. They were merely following a program. Duty had replaced devotion. How about us? Have we fainted in the area of our love for Jesus and His Church? Are you abandoning your time and love for the scriptures? Have you allowed false doctrines to divide your thinking to the point of neglecting the Word altogether?

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 “ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ Revelation 2:8–11 (ESV)

The name Smyrna comes from “myrrh,” which is a bitter herb, a suitable name for a church facing persecution. Would the believers be fearful or faithful? Suffering can enrich us, even if we think we are poor; and what people think is riches might turn out to be poverty! What difference does it make if people slander you so long as you have the Lord’s approval?

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “Some who claimed to be Jews were actually a synagogue of Satan because they were doing the devil’s work, slandering believers...To never be harmed by the second death refers to enjoying a sense of full gain when Christ separates believers from unbelievers at the end of history. At the final judgment, some Christians will experience a sense of loss, despite their eternal salvation, when Jesus rebukes their unfaithfulness.”

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. 13 “ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ Revelation 2:12–17 (ESV)

These believers in Pergamum held to the faith even when it might have cost them their lives. But they were too tolerant of false doctrine and were in danger of having the Lord declare war on the church. In Numbers 22-24, we see that Balaam convinced Israel to compromise with their unbelieving neighbors, disobey the Lord, and indulge in immorality. Being willing to die for the faith is no substitute for living the faith. It’s a big deal to God when we cause other people to stumble, especially when we do it knowingly and for profit. Are you leading people toward the Saving Grace of Jesus or are you a stumbling block by living too close to the world and adopting false theology?

Dr. Harold Wilmington writes, “Stand firm … forsake false doctrine.” John described Pergamum as the location of Satan’s throne. History confirms that it was given over to idolatry and emperor worship more than any other city in Asia. The church had remained loyal to Christ but was tolerating those who held to the teachings of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans. The choice before them was simple: Repent and enjoy eternal life or persist in tolerating evil and invite God’s anger. The name Antipas appears in no other historical record. But God knew all about this humble believer who lived and died for Christ.”

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 “ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 2:18–29 (ESV)

Verse 19 gives you the impression that all is well in the church of Thyatira but keep reading! Like the saints in Pergamos, the believers in Thyatira tolerated sin in the church. Idolatry and immorality usually go together, and Jezebel personifies both.

Repentance allows Christians to regain fellowship with the Lord. Those not following the way of Jezebel did not have to worry about the burdens listed. Not everybody in the fellowship was guilty of sin, and the Lord did not warn them. Instead, He encouraged them to hold to the truth and be faithful.

Know today that the reward for obeying Christ is authority over the nations, a reference to the thousand-year reign of Jesus following His second coming. During that time, believers who exhibit purity in this life will help the Lord rule the world. That millennial reign, though, is merely a down payment on eternity.
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What church do you most align? Where will you experience eternity? Do you Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Are you getting to know Him better as you study the pages of His preserved Word? If you don’t know Him, will you reach out before it is too late?

As the first century A.D. drew to a close, the churches of Asia Minor were endangered by two foes, persecution and heresy, with heresy being by far the greater danger. The ascended Christ directed John, the aging apostle, to address this urgent situation. These churches needed a renewed vision of God and a revelation of his glorious plans for their future.

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.” Revelation 1:17–19 (ESV)

One day “there shall be no more death” because Jesus has conquered death. When you know Him as Savior and Lord, you need not fear the future; He has the keys in His hand.
The book of Revelation is first of all the revelation of Jesus Christ, not the revelation of future events. Before John describes end-time events, he describes the Lord Jesus and reminds you of who He is and what He has done.

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near 4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. 8 I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:1-8 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying that God is the beginning and the end. He’s the Creator of all things, and he’ll bring history to its conclusion. He is the one who is, who was, and who is to come. God is yesterday, today, and tomorrow because he exists eternally. But later in the letter, it’s Jesus who calls himself “the Alpha and the Omega,” and clearly he is the coming One. This is not surprising, though, because Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity and coequal with the Father.”

According to verse 5, Warren Wiersbe writes, “He is the faithful witness (the Prophet), the firstborn from the dead (the Priest), and the ruler over the kings of the earth (the King). He is also the Savior who has made His people a kingdom of priests. Never forget that Jesus shed His blood for you, and that His blood cleanses, redeems, and overcomes the world.”

When John was in the Upper Room, he leaned on Jesus’ bosom; but when he saw the glorified Christ, he fell at His feet as a dead man.

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:16–21 (ESV)

Like John, we must begin with worship if God’s revelations in this book are to have any meaning to us.

“I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.” Revelation 1:9-14 (ESV)

In the Old Testament tabernacle, there was one lampstand with seven branches; but here John saw seven lampstands, symbolizing the seven churches addressed in chapters 2–3. Each local assembly of believers should shine for the Lord by holding fast the Word of life and proclaiming it in a dark world.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:14–16 (ESV)

Dr. Evans writes, “The seven churches are represented by seven golden lampstands to signify the expression of divine life that should radiate through all churches. Indeed, churches are to illuminate their communities. Jesus is situated among the lampstands to signify his visible rulership of the church as Judge and King, even before his second coming to personally and directly rule the entire world. The church, then, cannot view Jesus merely as a gentle figure with long hair and a loving gaze. Christians must view him as a Ruler, for there is a judgment side of Jesus along with the blessing side we love to talk about.”
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Today know that, this image assures us that when Christ returns, the rulership he has always possessed by virtue of his position as God’s Son will be realized in practice.

Writing to all believers loved and chosen by the Father and kept by the Son, Jude said that he had originally planned to write on the subject of salvation but felt led instead to address the serious problem of religious apostasy. Jude, like James, was a half-brother of the Lord Jesus. His letter focuses on false teachers and echoes Peter’s warnings.

“And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” 2 Peter 2:2–3 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe writes, “Jude wanted to write about salvation, but the Lord directed him to write about invasion instead. False teachers were creeping into the church and going undetected. These are unsaved people, ungodly people, and unprincipled people who use grace as an excuse for sin.”

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude 1–4 (ESV)

Like the Jews in the wilderness, the fallen angels, and the evil cities of the plain, they reject the authority of God. Their words are defiant and defiling. Like Cain in Genesis 4, they have no saving faith, but they do have religion. Like Balaam in Numbers 22-24, they use religion as a way to make money; and like Korah in Numbers 16, they defy the Word of God and the authority of God’s chosen servants.

Dr. Harold Wilmington writes in his Bile Handbook, “We are to “defend the truth of the Good News,” which God gave “once for all time to his holy people” in verse 3; or contend for the faith. Meaning defending the truth which involves both offense and defense, as exemplified by Nehemiah.

From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. Neh. 4:16–18 (ESV)

Dr. Wilmington goes on, “Now, in postbiblical times, the truth has been given to us “once for all time” in the canon of Scripture. We are not to add to or take from it.

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” Revelation 22:18–19 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans states, “This has two components. First, do not add to the prophecy of this book. The penalty for doing so will be the plagues that are written in it. Second, do not take away from the words of the book. Those who do so will have their heavenly rewards taken away, namely, their share of the tree of life and the holy city.”

“Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. 8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. 9 But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” 10 But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. 11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion.” Jude 5–11 (ESV)

False teachers promise much but produce little, like rainless clouds and fruitless trees. Enoch had the best word for them: ungodly.

“These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. 14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” Jude 12–16 (ESV)

Remember the Word and build yourself up in your Christian faith. True believers are “preserved in Jesus Christ,” and they prove this by keeping themselves in God’s love. Therefore, God can keep them from falling.

“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 17–25 (ESV)
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Today, know that we as believers have to be on guard. Scripture warns us to “test the spirits” to discern what is legitimate and what is not. If you are led by a blind teacher on spiritual matters, you’ll wind up falling into a ditch with him. Scoffers make a joke of the faith and divisions provide the devil with the opportunities he wants. All Satan needs is a crack to slither through so he can amplify problems and hinder God’s work. So, be on guard. Beware of the counterfeits. Testify the truth of His Word with courage and boldness. Contend for the faith.

“The measuring rod for your spiritual well-being, for the success of your Christian life, is whether or not you are walking in truth—whether you’re living by the standard of God’s Word.” Dr. Tony Evans

John wrote this 3rd letter to his friend Gaius to encourage him in a difficult situation in his local church. Again, he concentrated on making God’s truth a vital part of life... Here, he looks at the passage in 4 parts: Walking in truth, Working for truth, Welcoming the truth, Witnessing for the truth.

“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1–4 (ESV)

People could see the truth in Gaius because he loved it and walked in obedience to it, and that brought great joy to John. Every Christian parent can echo verse 4 and even make it a prayer. Are your children walking in the Lord? Have they surrendered their life to following after Jesus?

“Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 3 John 5-8 (ESV)

When you assist and encourage God’s servants, you become a fellow worker with them in spreading the truth. Christian hospitality was important in those days and ought to be revived today.

We should support those who set out for the sake of the Name of Jesus—those who are doing the work of God as evangelists, teachers, church planters, and missionaries. By providing them with financial support, hospitality, encouragement, and prayer, we can be coworkers with the truth. God thus credits to our accounts the blessings that he gives to them because we are their helpers.
I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

You imagine Diotrephes rejecting a message from the apostle John! He was so “separated” that he did not even receive John’s friends. When we welcome God’s people, we welcome God’s truth.

“Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 14 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.”

Not all church members are like Diotrephes; there are people like Demetrius who love the truth and live it. They are the ones who make the local church healthy. Demetrius’s life showed consistency: the way he lived matched the truth of Scripture. When you see this kind of pattern in a leader, you know you can follow him.

Who is it that in your group needs to hear the Gospel message of God’s Son?

John’s words here are a reminder that writing can be useful, but it can’t replace talking face to face. Whether someone needs warning or encouragement, emails and text messages don’t compare to looking a brother or sister in the eye and “speaking the truth in love.” Who in your circle of influence needs to hear from God, His son, or you?

“Truth is always strong, no matter how weak it looks, and falsehood is always weak, no matter how strong it looks.” Phillips Brooks

John wrote his second letter to an anonymous Christian woman whose home was open for God’s people to meet for fellowship and worship. The emphasis is on truth and love, and John points out three dangers believers must avoid-- Knowing the truth but not practicing it, Practicing truth but not defending it, Going beyond the truth.

“The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” 2 John 1–6 (ESV)

Scripture is clear that we must walk in truth and walk according to His commandments clarified in His Word. The Word of God is meant for doing and not just knowing. “If we say,” but do not obey, we are hypocrites.

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward... If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” 2 John 7–8, 10–11 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “It doesn’t matter how eloquently a person speaks or what social causes he or she advocates. If that person suggests Jesus is anything less than the eternal Son of God who became a sinless man, died to atone for sins, and rose from the dead, he or she is the deceiver and the antichrist. The antichrist is coming and will appear during the great tribulation, but little antichrists are active now. The category of antichrist applies to those who oppose and replace Christ. God has rewards in store for his followers. Most of those are reserved for our heavenly eternity. But if you are unfaithful and allow yourself to be tricked regarding the truth, you can lose some of what God has in store.”

Warren Wiersbe writes in his Word Commentary, “The enemy is busy, and we must oppose him. Love must be balanced by truth, or you will start supporting lies in the name of love. It is easy to lose what you have gained by making friends with the wrong people.”

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9–11 (ESV)

Many actions from Christians and Christian leaders in our current culture are quite misguided on the thoughts of loving others, as many are embracing the sinful actions of others in the name of love. But is it love? Do you really love someone if you allow them to remain on the road to eternal death and destruction?

“Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9 (ESV)

The word transgress means “to go beyond.” When you go beyond God’s Word, you are going too far. It is not progress but regress. Beware anybody who has something to add to your Bible.

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” Revelation 22:18–19 (ESV)

What is truth? What does love mean to you? How do you describe God’s truth and love? In a world that questions truth or defines it relatively, how do you defend the truth? Is it easy for you to love those who are different than you? How do you respond those who distort love and acceptance?
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“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11–12 (ESV)

God wants you to know today that you have eternal life—not based on your fluctuating faith—but based on the object of your faith, Jesus Christ.

Jesus desires to be in relationship with you. If you haven’t already, will you establish a personal and saving relationship with Him by believing He is the Son of God? Will you believe that God sent Jesus into the world to live a perfect life, to die a cruel death on a cross, to be buried in a borrowed tomb, to raise from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit, and to ascend to heaven to intercede on your behalf, to cheer for you, and to prepare an eternal home and future for you?
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“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1–5 (ESV)

According to Warren Wiersbe, when you are born of God or when you surrendered your life to Jesus, you are born to love, to win, to assurance, and security. He writes in his Word Commentary that, “You will love the Father who gave you life and the Son who gave His life for you. You will also love His children, for you all belong to the same family. When you are born of God, you are born to win. Your first birth made you a sinner and a loser, but your second birth makes you a conqueror. The world wants to entice you and the devil wants to seduce you, but Christ will give you the victory you need if you trust Him.”

“This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:6–12 (ESV)

This is what God want you to trust and believe. God has given you eternal life.

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “In John’s Gospel, Jesus defined eternal life this way: “that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.”

Eternal life is the knowledge of God. You receive this at the moment of salvation, but that’s only the beginning. You must grow in your knowledge and understanding, as sure as an infant must progress toward childhood. God wants us to grow in our knowledge of him—he wants us to deepen in our experience of eternal life. To do that, you must have intimacy with his Son, because this life is in his Son.”

God wants you to know, without a shadow of doubt, that in Christ you have eternal life—not based on your fluctuating faith—but based on the object of your faith, Jesus.

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.” 1 John 5:13–17 (ESV)

When you are born of God, you are born to assurance, and you can know that you have eternal life through His promise and His truth. You are born to talk to your Father in prayer and receive from Him what you need in this relationship.

Dr. Evans writes, “How do we know that we’re on the same wavelength with God and praying according to his will? We begin with the Word of God. Pray the Bible with all of its promises and commands. Let it be in your heart and on your tongue. God wants his Word to be done, so pray for it to be done in your life and in the lives of others. Prayer is a toll-free number; the tab is picked up at the other end.”

“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:18-21 (ESV)

When you are born of God, you are born secure, and the evil one cannot harm you. You do not keep yourself saved, for the Father does that; but you keep yourself from the clutches of the wicked one, the one that seeks to destroy you. As you abide in Christ, you experience His love and care.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:27–30 (ESV)

Do you struggle to trust the promises of God in His Word? Have you prayed about it? Have to ask the Holy Spirit to help you in your unbelief and are you daily seeking God’s Word and relational time with Jesus? Do you have margin in your schedule to prioritize your relationship with God?

Today, know that in Jesus, you possess life and life eternal.

We can demonstrate love in return by our concern and care for fellow believers. As we do so, we will gain confidence in our own salvation. The person who claims to love God but hates people is self-deceived. Christian love has been defined as unselfish concern for the welfare of another. We can love even those we don’t like.

We should not believe everyone claiming divine inspiration. People may claim to revere Jesus as a great teacher, but only those who acknowledge him as God in the flesh are truly Christians. All others speak by “the spirit of the Antichrist” ll, and we should avoid them. When such false teachers come calling, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit who indwells us is more powerful than the evil one who indwells them.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:1–6 (ESV)

Love is evidence of salvation. If we are born of God through faith in Jesus Christ, you have His nature within . Since “God is love” (vv. 8, 16), His children who have His nature should also manifest His love. The children should be like the Father!

“Let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7–12 ESV)

Our love for others makes God’s love real and visible to them (v. 12) so we can better witness to them about Christ. It also makes God real and personal to us. Merely reading in the Bible about God’s love is not enough. Seek to experience that love in your heart by sharing it with others.
 
“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 1 John 4:13–18 ESV)

Just as truth is victorious over lies, love is victorious over fear. As we mature in our love for God, we realize that we have nothing to fear, for our Father has everything under control. We trust those we love, and faith and love will give victory over fear.

If we live in such a way as to maintain fellowship with Christ, we will be confident to stand before him when He returns. God loves us enough to call us his children on earth and to promise us glorified bodies when He returns. In light of our relationship with God, we should want to be holy just as he is holy.
 
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 John 3:1–3 (ESV)
 
According to Warren Wiersbe, 1 John 3 describes deliberate sin is serious, grieves the Holy Spirt and grieves God’s people. He says, “When you deliberately sin, you grieve the heart of the Father who loves you and has a wonderful future planned for you. You grieve the Savior who died for you and delivered you from the power of Satan.”
 
“Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:4–10 (ESV)
 
Dr. Tony Evans writes, “John said “there is no sin in” Christ. Therefore, whoever remains in him does not sin either. Since believers are called to remain in him, we sin only because we’re not remaining in Christ. John says, “Everyone who has been born of God does not sin. The reason is that God’s seed remains in him. When you placed your faith in Jesus Christ, God gave you new life—which John describes as God’s “seed.” Every Christian is born again. This new spiritual life or seed is from God, so it is pure and sinless.”
 
He then asks, “Why, then, do we still sin in thought, word, and deed even though we’d prefer not to? Because the old part of us is still contaminated by sin. Paul calls our unredeemed humanity “the flesh,” and he wrestles with this in Romans 7:13–25. The new life of Christ is planted in us in seed form, but we still bear the damage of sin in our souls. When Christ returns, the flesh will be completely eradicated, and we will be without sin. Until then, we must continually repent of sin, submit to God’s Word, and walk with the Spirit so that the seed of the new divine nature may grow.”
 
Don’t be deceived. The one who does what is right is righteous. The one who commits sin is of the devil according to verse 8. How, then, can a believer do what is right and commit sin in the space of a few seconds? Consider Peter. He boldly confessed that Jesus is the Christ, and Jesus blessed him because God had revealed it to him. However, in no time, Jesus told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan,” when he denied that Christ must suffer.
 
Dr. Evans writes, “Throughout each day, your actions will either be influenced by God or the devil. Satan can’t make you sin, but he can entice you. So, to whom will you listen? Will you be of the devil so that he gets credit for your deeds? Or will you live by the truth, come to the light, and do works for which God gets the credit (see John 3:21)? Do what is right and love fellow believers in submission to the Holy Spirit”
 
“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:11–15 (ESV)

Deliberate sin grieves the Holy Spirit who lives in you and gave you new birth. You have a new nature and a new Father; therefore, you should live a new life. To John, lack of love is the same as hatred; and hatred is the moral equivalent of murder.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5:21–26

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.” 1 John 3:16–24 (ESV)

Lack of confidence is a tremendous stumbling block to prayer. But when you love others and act as an answer to their prayers, you can be confident that your Father will put things in motion to answer your prayer according to his will.

Deliberate sin also grieves God’s people because we cannot minister to them as we should if we are not walking in love and in the light. We must strive to have a heart that is right before God and men.

Today, Ask God to use you to be an encouragement and help to others. Love is more than a matter of words. Beware of merely declaring your love with your mouth. What your lips proclaim, your life must support.

In Jesus Christ, you have an Advocate, representing you before God’s throne. When you confess your sin to Jesus and intentionally turn from your sin in humility and brokenness over your sin, and faithfully lean into and committedly follow Him, you will receive His faithful forgiveness.
 
“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He himself is the atoning sacrifice, for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world. 3 This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet doesn’t keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, truly in him the love of God is made complete. This is how we know we are in him: 6 The one who says he remains in him should walk just as he walked.” 1 John 2:1-6
 
In Him, you also have an example, and you should “walk just as He walked.” As a follower, we must continually seek Him and pray for the indwelling Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus Christ, and saturate ourselves with His life as you daily read the Gospels.
 
“Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old command that you have had from the beginning. The old command is the word you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother or sister is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But the one who hates his brother or sister is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he’s going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:7-11

From Jesus Christ, you have a commandment to love God’s people. The Father gave this commandment to Israel and the Son to His disciples, and the Spirit enables us to obey it.
 
“This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5
 
“I am writing to you, little children, since your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one. 14 I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, God’s word remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.” 1 John 2:12-14
 
Because of Jesus Christ, you and I have a family. We have been grafted in by accepting and trusting in His death, burial, and resurrection. The members are at different stages of spiritual development, but all can receive His Word and grow. How wonderful is it when the “little children” become mature in the faith to young men and then fathers!
 
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever. 1 John 2:15-17
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Dr. Tony Evans asks, “What does the world offer you? First, it promises to satisfy legitimate desires in illegitimate ways (the lust of the flesh). Eating is legitimate; gluttony is worldly. Sex is legitimate; immorality is worldly. Second, the world tempts your mind through what your eyes see (the lust of the eyes). The biblical word for this is covetousness, which is desiring and pursuing that which is not legitimate for you to have. Third, there is the pride in one’s possessions—that is, living to impress others. What those in love with the world forget, however, is that the world with its lust is passing away. Worldliness makes the “now” more important than eternity. But you are passing through, and the world is passing by. It’s transient. Only the one who does the will of God remains forever. The price tag for loving the world is the loss of personal intimacy with God.”

“Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar, if not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This one is the antichrist: the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well. 24 What you have heard from the beginning is to remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he himself made to us: eternal life. 26 I have written these things to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you. Instead, his anointing teaches you about all things and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in him.” 1 John 2:18-27

You and I have some enemies, the world and the false teachers. Christians who love the world lose the enjoyment of the Father’s love and the desire to do His will. We overcome the world only with God’s love and the liars with God’s truth.
 
“So now, little children, remain in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you know this as well: Everyone who does what is right has been born of him.” 1 John 2:28-29

We have a wonderful hope, the coming of Jesus Christ. We are to abide in Him so we will not be ashamed when He comes.

Dr. Tony Evans states, “A Christian can be accepted but not acceptable. A child who plays in the mud, for instance, is accepted by his or her parents; he or she is not, however, in an acceptable condition. Live every day on high alert, looking for Jesus to return, and it will influence how you live.”
 
Are you acceptable? Have you been adopted into the family of God by accepting and trusting on the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you know that you are created and loved by God? Do you understand the devastating and dividing destruction Satan and his army is seeking through our sin nature? Will you if you haven’t received Christ forgiveness for your sin and God’s love by trusting in the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, God’s only Son? Today, give Him thanks for providing a way for forgiveness and eternal life.

“Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God’s people.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1–3 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe begins 1 John 1 in light of fellowship—living fellowship, joyful fellowship, and honest fellowship. In verses 1-3, we see that God wants us to have a living fellowship with Him and His children. In Jesus Christ, He has revealed what true life really is as He is Truth. Even though you and I cannot see Him and touch Him as the apostles did centuries ago, He can still be real to you and I as His Holy Spirit opens the Word to our heart.

Having fellowship with Jesus and the apostles by studying the New Testament. This goes beyond the legal relationship of justification to intimate communion with the Savior that is available to all believers. The truth of the Bible, when applied to the life of the believer, enhances our fellowship and spiritual intimacy with God.
 
“And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” 1 John 1:4 (ESV)
 
True joy transcends external circumstances. It is stability on the inside in spite of what is occurring on the outside.
 
God wants us to have a joyful fellowship. It is not the fellowship of a slave with a master but that of a child with a parent. God delights in His children and longs to share His love with them. When you and I are happy in the will of God, we are ready to live for Him and serve Him.

“Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.” John 14:19–24 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans says, “When you are connected to the love of the Father and Son in obedience, Jesus promises to reveal more of himself to you. If you listen to a radio station in your car, you know that the further you get from the broadcast station, the worse your reception of the signal gets. Many people have difficulty connecting with God because they’ve wandered too far away to pick up his signal. But if you come back home in obedience, relating to God through Christ in love, he will disclose more of himself to you.”
 
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 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 cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5–7 (ESV)

Fellowship with God is determined by our walk not by our talk. Only as we live fully exposed to the truth of God is the ongoing cleansing work of the blood of Jesus activated to reveal, cleanse, and empower us to address the sin that has been exposed. Then fellowship with God is maintained and expanded. Failure to do this keeps God’s work dormant in the life of the believer.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor 3:17–18 (ESV).

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8–10 (ESV)

Wiersbe continues by stating in His Word Commentary that “God wants us to have an honest fellowship. This means “walking in the light” and dealing honestly with sin. Salvation is a matter of life or death, but fellowship is a matter of light or darkness. If you lie to God, to others, and to yourselves, you will lose your fellowship with God and your character. A godly character does not develop in the darkness.

When we confess our sins to God, we are agreeing with what God’s Word reveals about us. We are admitting that what the light exposes is not just a mistake, a bad habit, or a mere product of our upbringing. It’s sin. To deny your sin is to call God a liar and forfeit the hope of His word doing its transforming work in your life.

Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? Have you confessed your sin and sought forgiveness and salvation?

Today, know that we must admit our sin, regret the actions of our sin, plead the blood of Christ, and believe that God has indeed done what He promised, namely, to cleanse us from all sin and unrighteousness and restore us to fellowship and service.