What does it mean to walk in darkness (1 John 1:6)?

Answer

The concept of walking in darkness is referenced in various parts of Scripture, including 1 John 1:6, “If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” This verse acts as both a caution and a call to anyone professing a connection with God. Christianity transcends mere words and is manifested through our deeds.

Walking in darkness signifies a life of sin, consistently partaking in actions that are detestable to God. The term “walk” is commonly used metaphorically to represent our daily conduct. Therefore, John is speaking to those who declare themselves as disciples of Christ but continue to lead ungodly lives. In other parts of Scripture, behaviors typically associated with living in darkness are listed, such as “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-21). Living in darkness revolves around self-centeredness, fulfilling personal desires (Ephesians 2:3; Romans 1:24-25). This prompts the question: Are we striving to please God or merely ourselves?

It is predictable that those who deny God would live for their own interests and walk in darkness. However, it is also plausible to associate with Christ while living in a self-serving manner. This was the temptation that led Eve and Adam astray. The serpent enticed them to turn away from God and seek self-governance, stating, “You will be like God, knowing good and evil” «for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. », (Genesis 3:5). Throughout history, humanity has yearned toBe like God, establishing their own notions of reality and morality. The problem is, in our fallen state, we view as good what God calls evil and then denigrate what He calls good.

What about adherents of other theistic religions who also acknowledge a transcendent Being: are they living in darkness? Do they not know God? The issue with other religions is twofold: 1) their denial of the universal human condition—moral imperfection and an inability to meet God’s standard—and 2) their rejection of Christ. True religion stems from approaching God through Christ, acknowledging that only He is righteous and only He can bridge the gap between God and man «For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; », (1 Timothy 2:5). When we believe we can attain righteousness through our efforts, we either become self-righteous or despondent; either way, further sinful behavior results.

The opposite of walking in darkness is living in the light, starting when we turn to the Light of the world. Through Christ’s redemptive work and the Holy Spirit’s regeneration, we move from the kingdom of darkness to that of light (Colossians 1:13-14;see also Acts 26:17-18;1 Peter 2:9). Because we are in the light, we should “walk as children of light” «For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: », (Ephesians 5:8). Our manner of life should reflect our claim to know God; otherwise, we rightly appear as dishonest. “We lie,” as 1 John 1:6 says. “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” «Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of tHe night, nor of darkness. », (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

Critics often point to the contrast between belief and behavior in many Christians as an argument against the gospel. While this accusation can be biased, we cannot ignore that, when we associate with Jesus, even outsiders expect to see changes. Numerous people come to Christ due to the godly lifestyle of a Christian friend or family member. Are we genuinely living out the truth of the gospel in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and churches? Or do we still walk in darkness?