I John--Fellowship with Christ

I John--Fellowship with Christ

John wrote his Gospel in order that men might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing they might have life through His Name (John 20:31).

He wrote his Epistle in order that those who believed on Christ might know that they have eternal life (1 John 5:9-13).

Consequently, as we find the word believe running through and characterizing the Gospel, so here we have the word know running through this Epistle.

John gives the evidence for his own knowledge, that be has heard and seen and handled the Word of Life--Christ Jesus. He seeks to bring his hearers into intimate knowledge and fellowship with the Father and the Son, that their joy may be full (1 John 1:3-4; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:13-14). This fellowship rests on salvation through the atoning work of Christ (1 John 1:7; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:1-2; 1 John 2:12; 1 John 3:5; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10; 1 John 4:14; 1 John 5:11-13). It is received by faith (1 John 3:23; 1 John 5:1; 1 John 5:13). This faith results:

(1) In the new birth (1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:1-2; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 5:1).

(2) In forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:7; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:12).

(3) In deliverance from the power of sin (1 John 1:6; 1 John 2:1; 1 John 2:6; 1 John 3:3; 1 John 3:5-6; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:18).

(4) In deliverance from the love of the world (1 John 2:15; 1 John 5:4-5).

(5) In victory over the devil (1 John 2:13-14; 1 John 3:8; 1 John 4:4).

(6) In keeping His commandments (1 John 2:3-8; 1 John 5:2-3).

(7) In love of the brethren (1 John 2:9-11; 1 John 3:10-19; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7-8; 1 John 4:11-12; 1 John 4:20-21).

(8) In the fulness of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:2; 1 John 4:13; 1 John 5:6).

(9) In Divine enlightenment and knowledge, by which we may know truth from error (1 John 2:20-21; 1 John 2:27; 1 John 4:1-3; 1 John 4:6; 1 John 5:20).

(10) In answered prayer (1 John 3:21-22; 1 John 5:14-16).