FROM THE BEGINNING
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1 John 1:1-4 |
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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, of the Word of life; For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. KJV |
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. NIV |
What a lovely portion of scripture written to us and for us by the Apostles that we may share their joy and happiness. Can you imagine being with Jesus? What excitement that would cause! Note what John tells us:
| · We have heard. | · We have touched. | · We declare it. |
| · We have seen. | · We proclaim this. |
The Apostles had seen Jesus, they had been with Him. They touched Him! They witnessed His Wisdom, His Holiness, His Miracles, His Love, His Mercy. They also witnessed His Crucifixion, His Resurrection. Again, they touched Him! They spoke to Him!
- They declared what they had seen and heard, that others may share their joy and excitement.
- They wanted to share the happy experience of The Truth in their souls.
- They want to show it in their lives, and they want us to do the same.
- They want us to know that the joy of knowing the Saviour is all-sufficient.
- Their desire is that others may partake of the fellowship and be blessed.
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1 John 1:5 |
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| This then is the message which we have heard of Him and declare unto you that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. KJV |
This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. NIV |
Man tries to change the message, BUT it is the message that changes him. The world is black with sin, BUT God is Light. In Him there is no darkness. Our best is mixed with darkness, self-righteousness, sin and pride. His best is Sinless and Spotless. We are to plead guilty and accept His forgiveness, for nothing less will do.