Journey Through The Bible
  Old Testament Reading: Numbers 22-24
  New Testament Reading: 1 John 1

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life – that was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us – what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may have fellowship along with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1: 1-3)

As we continue with the writings of the Apostle John, he shifts his focus. Much of the Bible tells us about what God does, and in his gospel account, John focuses on what Jesus Christ the Son of God did and said. In this first letter, John focuses on who God is. John clarifies attributes of God, and how both God the Father and God the Son exhibit those same attributes. And then, most importantly how we as Christians can relate to them.

In the opening sentence of this letter, John states God is life. God is the source of life, the One who gives eternal life, and who made Himself known as The Word of Life. This life was not hidden that we would have to go searching for it to find it. It was revealed to us!

John testifies and declares that Jesus, the Word of Life is the eternal life that was with the father. This is an affirmation of Jesus’ deity. Jesus has been the source of life along with God the Father from the beginning.

John then declares boldly that this life has appeared to us. This repeats what he said at the beginning of the verse and emphasizes the point he doesn’t want to escape us. The source of life came to earth as a man. Jesus, whom John and the other apostles saw and thoroughly examined. They had heard, seen with their eyes, observed, and touched with their hands. There was no denying that John knew Jesus personally.

God is the source of all life. When God created man from the dust of the earth, He breathed the breath of life into him, and man became a living being (Gen 3:7). Sin, however, brought death, for the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). 

Sin separates us from God, but John tells us that the God who gave life will also restore life. And this is the promise that he himself made to us: eternal life (1 John 2:25) When Jesus saves us, He gives us eternal life because the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin (v7).And if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness (v9).

John tells us that God’s purpose in giving eternal life is so that you may have fellowship along with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (v3)