Sanctification and Purification Through the Blood (1 John 1:7)

1 John 1:7 states, "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, purifies us from all sin." This verse highlights the dual roles of sanctification and purification through the blood of Jesus. Here’s a comprehensive exploration of these concepts.

1. Understanding Sanctification and Purification

a. Sanctification

  • Definition: Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God’s purposes and becoming more like Christ in character and conduct. It is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.
  • Positional and Progressive: Sanctification has both positional (initial) and progressive (ongoing) aspects. Positional sanctification occurs at the moment of salvation when believers are set apart as holy before God. Progressive sanctification is the ongoing process of spiritual growth and moral transformation.

b. Purification

  • Definition: Purification refers to the cleansing from sin’s defilement, making one pure and holy. It involves the removal of the guilt and power of sin.
  • Continuous Need: Due to the ongoing presence of sin in the world and in believers' lives, continuous purification is necessary for maintaining fellowship with God and spiritual vitality.

2. The Role of Jesus’ Blood in Sanctification and Purification

a. Initial Cleansing at Salvation

  • Forgiveness of Sins: At the moment of salvation, the blood of Jesus cleanses believers from all sin, bringing about forgiveness and justification. This initial act of cleansing is foundational for entering into a relationship with God (Ephesians 1:7).
  • New Creation: Believers are made new creations in Christ, sanctified positionally and set apart as holy (2 Corinthians 5:17).

b. Ongoing Purification

  • Daily Cleansing: As believers walk in the light of God’s truth, the blood of Jesus continually purifies them from sin. This ongoing purification is essential for maintaining fellowship with God and growing in holiness (1 John 1:7).
  • Confession and Repentance: 1 John 1:9 emphasizes the importance of confession in the process of purification: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

c. Progressive Sanctification

  • Growing in Holiness: The blood of Jesus is central to the believer’s progressive sanctification. Hebrews 13:12 states, "And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood." Believers are called to grow in holiness and Christlikeness through the transformative power of His blood.
  • Empowerment by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit applies the cleansing and sanctifying work of Jesus’ blood in the believer’s life, empowering them to overcome sin and live in obedience to God’s commands (1 Peter 1:2).

3. Practical Implications of Sanctification and Purification Through the Blood

a. Walking in the Light

  • Living in Truth: Walking in the light involves living according to God’s truth and commands, rejecting sin and embracing righteousness (1 John 1:7).
  • Transparency and Accountability: Believers are called to live transparently before God and one another, fostering accountability and mutual encouragement in their spiritual walk.

b. Maintaining Fellowship with God and Others

  • Vertical Fellowship: Continuous purification through Jesus’ blood ensures that believers maintain a close and intimate relationship with God. Sin disrupts this fellowship, but confession and repentance restore it.
  • Horizontal Fellowship: Walking in the light and experiencing ongoing purification also enhances fellowship with other believers. It fosters a community marked by love, unity, and mutual support (1 John 1:7).

c. Living a Holy Life

  • Moral Transformation: The sanctifying power of Jesus’ blood enables believers to live morally upright lives, reflecting God’s holiness in their thoughts, words, and actions (1 Peter 1:15-16).
  • Witness to the World: A life marked by holiness and purity serves as a powerful testimony to the world of God’s transforming grace. Believers are called to be salt and light, demonstrating the reality of God’s kingdom through their conduct (Matthew 5:13-16).

4. Challenges and Encouragements in the Process

a. Ongoing Struggle with Sin

  • Reality of Sin: Despite the initial cleansing, believers continue to struggle with sin. The process of sanctification involves ongoing repentance, reliance on God’s grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
  • Victory Through Christ: Believers are encouraged that victory over sin is possible through the blood of Jesus and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:11-14).

b. Perseverance in the Faith

  • Endurance: The journey of sanctification requires perseverance. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God’s promises and relying on His strength (Hebrews 12:1-2).
  • Hope of Glory: The ultimate goal of sanctification is to be conformed to the image of Christ and share in His glory. This hope motivates believers to pursue holiness and purity with diligence and joy (Colossians 1:27).

 Sanctification and purification through the blood of Jesus are vital aspects of the Christian life. The blood of Jesus provides the initial cleansing from sin at salvation and continues to purify believers as they walk in the light. This ongoing process of purification and progressive sanctification enables believers to maintain fellowship with God, grow in holiness, and live lives that honor Him. By understanding and embracing the power of Jesus’ blood, believers are empowered to overcome sin, live in righteousness, and reflect the character of Christ in a world that desperately needs His light.