1 John 1 teaches us how our connection with God is strengthened and deepened through our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The First Epistle of John, attributed to the apostle John, is a letter written to believers to emphasize the importance of fellowship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. In 1 John 1, John discusses the essence of fellowship and the significance of walking in the light.
The Witness of Christ's Life
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:1-4, KJV)
John opens the letter by emphasizing the reality of Christ's life, witnessed by the apostles through their senses. He declares that their purpose in sharing this testimony is to invite believers into fellowship with the apostles and, more importantly, with the Father and Jesus Christ. John's writing aims to bring joy and fullness of life to the readers.
Walking in the Light
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:5-7, KJV)
John shares the message he received from Christ: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him. To claim fellowship with God while living in darkness is hypocrisy. True fellowship occurs when believers walk in the light of righteousness and truth, resulting in mutual fellowship with each other and cleansing from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Confession of Sin
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10, KJV)
John emphasizes the universality of sin, cautioning against self-deception by claiming to be sinless. Instead, he encourages believers to confess their sins to God, who is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Denying sin makes God out to be a liar, and such a mindset contradicts His word.
Conclusion
1 John 1 underscores the importance of genuine fellowship with God and fellow believers. It emphasizes the truth that God is light and encourages believers to walk in the light, acknowledging their need for forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ. The message of this chapter is a call to authentic Christian living, marked by confession of sin and a pursuit of righteousness, resulting in true joy and fellowship with God and His children.
COMMENTS