1 John 1:1-10
Q.1. What did John tell us about Jesus? How did he press home that he knew what he is talking about? What makes Jesus the game-changer in history? What does the Gospel offer us? – (1 Jn.1:1-4)
The Word of Life has existed from the beginning of time, along with the Father. John stated that he was an eyewitness, having heard, seen, experienced, and physically touched the Son of God, Jesus Christ (1 Jn.1:1-2). The Game-Changer came, when God stepped out of invisibility into the Person of His Son – and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us (1 Jn.1:2). The Gospel offers fellowship with the triune God – … so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ (1 Jn.1:3). By embracing the Gospel, fellowship with our everlasting holy God is restored, and our joy knows no bounds (1 Jn.1:3-4).
Q.2. How did John portray the perfection of Jesus? What does true fellowship with Christ look like? What makes fellowship with a holy God possible? – (1 Jn.1:5-7)
John loved to focus on Christ’s claim – … “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life.” (Jn.8:12). The inference is that God and His Son are perfect in every way – … God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 Jn.1:5). John considered the negative and positive support, in claiming fellowship with the God Who is Light – If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth (1 Jn.1:6). True fellowship will express itself in honestly and humbly accessing the source of this cleansing – but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn.1:7).
Q.3. How did John deal with claims of sinless perfection? How can sinners maintain fellowship with a holy God? How can we access forgiveness and cleansing from sin? – (1 Jn.1:7-10)
John was not espousing a hope of sinless perfection this side of glory. He spelled out that to deny we are a sinner, is self-deception. To claim we are sinless is contrary to the God’s Word. Such a view would cheapen the cost of salvation and make fellowship unnecessary. The reality is that we always need Jesus for forgiveness and ongoing cleansing day by day. Such provision has been graciously provided – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn.1:9). Our part is to admit and confess our sin. God has already undertaken to make our progress possible, because of Whom He is – He is the Faithful and the Righteous One.