1 John 1:7

Considering its importance, 1 John 1:7, in my opinion, is the most overlooked (even disregarded) passage in the Bible. It is ignored mainly by the proponents of two extreme views. One, that once a person becomes a Christian it does not matter how he lives - he can never fall from grace. Two, a Christian falls from grace automatically when he sins and is lost until the point that he repents and prays for forgiveness.

The first group, because of the word "if," which gives a condition for keeping saved, simply must ignore this passage altogether, which is what they do. The second group would prefer to ignore it, but when pressed they argue that to "walk in the light" is to live like Jesus - sinless. But the truth is, the "walk" John is taking about is one's life, as translated by some versions. In making judgments God looks at the life - not just one sin. The text implies that one whose life is pleasing to God is continually cleansed by the blood of Christ IF he walks in the light. This is a great comfort, for we know God is just and merciful and that he loves us.

Barnes comments: Walking in the light may include the three following things:

1. Leading lives of holiness and purity; that is, the Christian must be characteristically a holy man, a light in the world, by his example.
2. Walking in the truth; that is, embracing the truth in opposition to all error of paganism and infidelity, and having clear, spiritual views of truth, such as the unrenewed never have. See 2Co_4:6; 1Co_2:9-15; Eph_1:18.
3. Enjoying the comforts of religion; that is, having the joy which religion is fitted to impart, and which it does impart to its true friends, Psa_94:19; Isa_57:8; 2Co_1:3; 2Co_13:11. Compare the notes at Joh_12:35.

As he is in the light - In the same kind of light that he has. The measure of light which we may have is not the same in degree, but it is of the same kind. The true Christian in his character and feelings resembles God.

We have fellowship one with another - As we all partake of his feelings and views, we shall resemble each other. Loving the same God, embracing the same views of religion, and living for the same ends, we shall of course have much that is common to us all, and thus shall have fellowship with each other.

Additional Reading (free material):

A debate between Dr. Lloyd Olson and Robert Waters
http://www.totalhealth.bz/EternalSecurity.pdf

Continual Cleansing Versus Perfectionism

My thanks to you for sending me a copy of your excellent booklet, CONTINUAL CLEANSING VS PERFECTIONISM. It is a very forthright, effective and convincing presentation. I believe you to be right in each argument therein. I have preached this comforting doctrine for nearly sixty years. I never heard it questioned until recently. All scholarly men among us of every persuasion have taught it either directly or indirectly. -- Guy N. Woods

https://www.totalhealth.bz/continual-cleansing.pdf