Let’s first look at 1 Jn.1 :7 in the ASV translations. This version reads: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
When a person becomes a Christian, they are obligated to “walk in the light” (follow the instructions found in the Bible). No person will do this perfectly because all continue to sin (Rom. 3:23—notice that “fall short” is a present tense verb).
Forgiveness of sins is like a burning fire. As long as wood is added, a fire will continue to burn. As long as Christians try to live the Christian life and repent of the things they do wrong, they are continuously forgiven of their sins. This point is illustrated in other parts of the Bible as well. Paul said Christians “stand in the grace of God.” It is possible to “depart from the faith” (1Tim. 4:1—this just one verse showing the “perseverance of the saints doctrine” associated with Calvinism is untrue), but a Christian must forsake Christ for this to happen.
In writing to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 9) Paul also used the present tense (9:1-2) to say Christians can “walk in the light and be continuously cleansed from sin.” In verse 1 as well as verse 2 he used the verb “are” (present tense). Twice in the opening verses of this chapter he said the Corinthians were “in” (present tense) Christ.
If you have become a Christian (see the information below) and are living a faithful Christian life, have confidence that you are “in Christ,” “walking in the light,” and thus “have on-going fellowship with God” (1 Jn. 1:7).
Find the truth about God and become a New Testament Christian. Find out more about New Testament Christianity by running some Internet searches for “church of Christ” and “churches of Christ.” You may also want to visit http://www.abiblecommentary.com for Bible study information.
Remember, in order to be saved and enjoy all God’s blessings (not the least of which is salvation), a person must have faith (Jn. 8:24), be willing to repent (Lk. 13:3), and after confessing Christ as Lord, the final step is water baptism (Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Pet. 3:20-21). Bible baptism is by immersion only (“burial,” Rom. 6:4), and once it is done, heaven puts that person “into Christ” (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3). After proper baptism a person has their sins forgiven (Acts 2:38).