John is talking about continuance in God’s presence. God is light. If we remain in fellowship with Him, He exposes us to ourselves. Little by little, as we can bear it, He brings to the surface things that need to be changed in us, if we are to be conformed to His image. This light requires that we face ourselves and make the decision whether or not we will allow God to change us. If we cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He shows us what we look like to God, we not only continue to enjoy a blessed relationship, but we experience constant cleansing and growth. This is really another way to describe a life of continual repentance. 

“But all these things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light “(Eph. 5:13). 

What Kinds of Problems Often Hinder Our Walking In the Light?

Salvation is not a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It does not consist of initial repentance alone. Many of us do not understand that salvation has not only a past meaning, the forgiveness of our sin, but present and future application in being made like Christ. We lay the foundation stone of initial repentance in order to go on changing the rest of our lives. To go on changing re- quires the on-going repentance of acknowledging our constant need of the Lord in practical daily needs. We have been confused about the nature of sin and of repentance, and this confusion hinders us from simply accept- ing God’s light and cleansing on an up-to-date basis. 

 We confuse temptation for sin.

Temptation is not sin. Jesus was sinless, but He experienced every kind of temptation. He was directly assaulted by Satan in the wilderness with a flood of temptation aimed at His most vulnerable places. Temptation is a strong pull or push to sin, but it is not sin itself unless we give in. As the song puts it, “Yielding is sin.” It is not the feeling of temptation but the decision of our will that results in sinful action. 

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [desire], and enticed. Then when. lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14, 15). 

 We confuse condemnation for the reproof of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit’s reproof comes as truth and as light. It makes manifest both the problem and the solution. It is specific. Condemnation brings cloudiness and a vague self-hatred. It tells us we are all wrong but does not provide constructive criticism. God’s reproof is uplifting and helpful; condemnation seeks to tear us down and to create general discouragement. The Bible tells us that God never uses condemnation in dealing with us; we do not have to put up with its bullying thoughts and feelings. When the Holy Spirit deals with us, even about sin and faults, He does it according to the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. 

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:1, 2). 

 We try to “earn” our forgiveness.

The price for forgiveness has already been paid in full by Christ. All we need to do to receive it is to realize and acknowledge our need for it, and to ask. Asking opens us to receive from God. The Bible does not teach that we need to have any kind of punishment inflicted upon us to make us feel sorry. The Holy Spirit gives us repentance, which includes both sorrow for sin and the ability to turn from it. 

“Him hath God exalted with his hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31).