Church of God, Carmichael, CA
H. M. Riggle, 1900
[Original Page Numbers]
John addressed his epistle to "little children" whose "sins were forgiven."—1 John 2:12. They were "sons of God."—3 :l 2. The special object of this epistle was: "That ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son."— 1:3. "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full."—1:4. The apostle wrote this epistle for the purpose of teaching them the fullness of joy he enjoyed, so that they also would have perfect fellowship with him. You see these converts were not yet sanctified.
But what was the standard he held up for them in their justified state ? Hear it, all ye who plead for sin. "And now little children, abide in him."—2 :28. "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not." 3:6. "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."—2 :6. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not."—2:1. "Little children, let no man deceive you . . . He that committeth sin is of the devil.... Whosoever is born of God doth not [54] commit sin . . . In this the children of God are manifest. and the children of the devil."—3 :7 10.. "We know that whosoever is born of (Nod, sinneth not." 5:18..
This is the Bible standard of justification. It is the standard to which these young converts must live in order to abide in Christ.
But now, lest they should be led to think that in their first experience of grace, they were freed from inbred sin, he refutes that idea by saying. "If we say that we [namely, 'you little children'! have no sin, we deceive ourselves." —1:8. You see they were not purged from inbred sin, else they would already have had the "fullness," and perfect fellowship he wished to teach them.
He then proceeded to show them a way of deliverance from this inbred foe. "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 :7.
While in verse 8 the apostle guards young converts— unsanctified "children"—against the error that they "have no sin," he positively teaches in verse 7 and 9 that if they confess their need, and meet the Bible conditions, the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse them "from all sin" and from "all unrighteousness." "And every man that hath this hope in him. purifieth himself, even as he is pure."—3 :3, and is made "righteous, even as he is righteous."—3 :7.
But can this experience be received! enjoyed, and lived in this world? "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment because as he is, so are we in this world."—4:17.
"Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word."—Ps. 119 :41.
Dear reader, stop a moment. You are hastening to eternity. Time with gigantic footsteps is bearing you to the future. Heaven or Hell awaits you. All depends upon your being saved "according to God's Word," and saved [55] "now.' Many are the deceptions of "these last days." Thousands of souls are giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Remember, God's salvation is according to his word. In this little booklet we have briefly set forth God's plan of redeeming and saving mankind. "If any man teach any other doctrine, let him be accursed."
If you are unsaved, "Repent, and be converted. that your sins may be blotted out." "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." If you are a believer. and have inward troubles with the "carnal mind," meet the conditions laid down in God's Word in a complete death to sin and self, present yourself to God for cleansing, "and the very God of peace w ill sanctify you wholly."
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God and Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."—Jude 24, 25.
5334 Whitney Ave. Carmichael, CA. 95608
Pastor, Church Telephone (916) 482-7128