Reading for April 11th

 Read 1 John 1.5-2.2. In 1.5-2.27: Two tests. In 1 .5-2.17: The ethical test. Expressed as walking in the light, testing six of the seven assertions made by the opponents (1.6, 8,10; 2.4, 6,9; see 4.20). In 1.5-2.2 Walking in the light: sin and sinlessness. In verse 5: God is light; see 4.8 and Jn 4.24. Light is the self-revealing character of God. In verses 6-7: If we say: a formula introducing the first three assertions (1.6, 8, 10) of the opponents. Walking in the darkness falsifies the claim because God is light (1.5; see Jn 3.19-21; 8.12; 11.9-10; 12.35-36). Lying (see 2.4) is opposed to doing what is true (see Jn 3.21). The blood of Jesus (see 5.6-8) cleanses us from all sin (see1.9; 2.2; 5.16-17) through sacrifice. In verses 8-9: We have no sin; self-deception (see 1.10). The way to deal with sin is not denial but confession. Faithful and just: better, "faithful and righteous" (see 2.1, 29; 3.7). In verse 10: We have not sinned perhaps refers to past behavior; it is unclear how this differs from the second assertion. In 2.1-2: The provision for one who sins is the presence of the advocate, elsewhere used only of the Holy Spirit (see Jn 14.16). Jesus is also the atoning sacrifice (see 4.10; Lev16.16, 30) for the sins of the whole world (see 4.14; compare Jn 1.29). Comments or Questions..