1 John 1

This chapter opens the letter with a powerful declaration about the eternal Word of Life, which has been manifested and revealed to the Apostles. John focuses on fellowship with God and one another, urging believers to walk in the light, confessing their sins, and experiencing true fellowship with Jesus Christ. The chapter lays the foundation of a believer's relationship with God and emphasizes the importance of living in truth and light.

1 John 1:1 (NKJV)
"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, concerning the Word of life—"

John opens by affirming the eternal existence of the Word of life, Jesus Christ, who existed "from the beginning." He and the other Apostles heard, saw, and touched this eternal Word. This introduction emphasizes the tangible and real experience of encountering Jesus. John wants to highlight that the truth he is proclaiming is not based on speculation but on firsthand experience, and this adds to the authenticity of his message.

1 John 1:2 (NKJV)
"The life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—"

Here, John further explains that the eternal life found in Christ was revealed, or "manifested," to them. The Apostles bear witness to this life, which existed with the Father and was revealed in Jesus Christ. The focus is on the eternal nature of Christ and the life He offers to those who believe. John's purpose is to share this life with others, inviting them into the same fellowship.

1 John 1:3 (NKJV)
"that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ."

John expresses his intention in declaring what they have seen and heard. The goal is to invite others into fellowship with the Apostles, and more importantly, into fellowship with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This fellowship is spiritual communion and unity, grounded in the truth of Christ's person and work. John's message is an invitation to join this divine relationship through belief in the Gospel.

1 John 1:4 (NKJV)
"And these things we write to you that your joy may be full."

John desires that the readers experience the fullness of joy through their fellowship with God. True joy comes from a relationship with Christ, and this joy is complete and fulfilling. John writes to ensure that believers understand and embrace this joy, which is deeply rooted in living in communion with God. Full joy is a result of walking in the truth and light of Christ.

1 John 1:5 (NKJV)
"This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all."

The core message John proclaims is that God is light. Light represents truth, purity, and holiness. In contrast, darkness symbolizes sin, falsehood, and moral corruption. John asserts that there is no darkness in God at all, emphasizing His perfect purity and righteousness. The metaphor of light and darkness sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, as John urges believers to walk in the light of God.

1 John 1:6-7 (NKJV)
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."

John challenges those who claim to have fellowship with God but live in darkness. If one claims to know God but continues in sin and deceit, they are not practicing the truth. Walking in the light means living in accordance with God's truth and righteousness. When believers walk in the light, they experience genuine fellowship with one another, and the cleansing power of Jesus' blood continually purifies them from sin. Walking in the light is a call to live in alignment with God's holiness.

1 John 1:8-9 (NKJV)
"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."

John warns against self-deception regarding sin. Claiming to be without sin is a denial of the truth and leads to self-deception. However, the solution is confession. When believers confess their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive them and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Confession is key to maintaining fellowship with God, and through it, believers experience His continual cleansing and forgiveness.

1 John 1:10 (NKJV)
"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."

John concludes by emphasizing the seriousness of denying sin. To claim that one has never sinned is not only self-deception but also calling God a liar, as it contradicts His Word, which declares that all have sinned. Such a claim reveals that God's truth and Word do not dwell in the person who denies their sinfulness. True fellowship with God requires humility, acknowledgment of sin, and dependence on God's grace for forgiveness.