It is continually asked whether "walking in the light" is expressive of our standing, or of our
practical condition. Because of the word "walk," it is supposed by many that it must refer to the
believer’s daily walk. Two or three considerations, drawn from the passage and its context, will
elicit its true significance. It is evident then, in the first place, that "walking in darkness" in verse
6 is an absolute contrast with walking in the light in verse 7; and that both expressions flow from
the declaration in verse 5, "that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." Bearing this in
mind, it will be at once seen that "walking in the light" covers all who are introduced into the
sphere of the revelation of what God is in Christ; that it includes therefore, in other words, all
Christians; and hence that "walking in darkness" comprises all who are outside this sphere_all
who are unconverted, all who do not possess eternal life. It must ever be remembered that for
John there are only two spheres_light and darkness; just as we read in the gospel. "And the light
shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." It should be remarked, moreover,
that it is "walking in the light" " as He (God) is in the light;" not according to the light, which
would indicate our practical walk, but "in the light as He is in the light," which cannot mean other
than the circle or sphere in which God in His nature, His holiness, is absolutely revealed. All
therefore are either in the light or in the darkness. Why, then, it may be enquired, is the word
"walk" employed? Because it is never supposed in Scripture that the practical condition of the
believer will be otherwise than in accordance with his standing. The greatest possible damage is
done to souls in insisting upon standing irrespective of state; and, therefore, if John speaks of our
walking in the light as God is in the light he assumes that we shall live, and move, and have cur
being in this circle. The following words will explain this still further:It is not "if we walk
according to the light" that is the practical consequence in this world, even when we are not
directly enjoying communion, but we walk in the light when we walk with God fully revealed to
the soul and conscience. It is a real thing in life, ,we walk, but (it is) more than walking according
to light. It is walking in the presence of a fully-revealed God, the conscience, and spiritual
judgment, and apprehension being in the light as He is_what God is, perfectly seen, and
everything by it, and all clear as it is in the light and for the soul. If we walk thus with God
inwardly, all is judged inwardly, and our life is only the expression of the working of God in
power in the life which we have of Him, of Christ in us (wisdom and power)." It is also in this
sphere, and only there, that Christian fellowship is enjoyed. This is readily understood, because
outside of it is darkness_where God is not. Lastly, we are reminded of the foundation of this
blessedness, the abiding efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, which cleanseth from all
sin, from the defilement of every sin, and which has thus made it possible for us to be in the light,
as God is in the light, in peace, confidence, and liberty. But after unfolding to us the wondrous
place in the light into which we are brought before God, and the truth that it is only in that circle
we can have fellowship one with another, it is very blessed to be reminded of the source of the
cleansing, which enables us ta occupy our place.