I John 1:1-10
And now, the apostle John… He begins with his clear intent: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands … we proclaim also to you… (vv. 1, 3a) John is establishing his own position here as an apostle – one who has been with Jesus in close companionship and who now wishes to pass on to other believers the truth of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He wants from us. That is his goal in the rest of this letter.
There are so many notable verses in today’s reading. The entire block in verses 5 through 10 is well known and is often quoted, especially verse 7 (which I know as a song) and verse 9 (widely used in confession rites). Both are worth quoting explicitly here: Verse 7, But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. and verse 9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
David likes to point out “so that” verses. Here’s one from today’s reading: …so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (v. 3b) That’s a big “so that” – our fellowship with Almighty God! Glory…!!
Slava Bohu!
Agreed, Fred! I also was drawn to vv. 8-10 about a road to self-deception, saying we have no sin. Lord, help our blindness! Open our eyes that we may see You in Your Glory, as well as see ourselves in Your Truth, however painful, and confess. Thank God for forgiving and healing us!