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--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--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. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 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.—1 John 1:1-5
As I read these words my eyes filled up with tears at the love John, through the inspiration of His Holy Spirit, poured out in this passage. John was the disciple that Jesus loved and an eyewitness to the physical reality of His humanity and His earthly majesty. Reading John’s word warms my heart and encourages my faith. Jesus is not a “made up” person...He is an historical reality. It is so obvious as I read these verses that John wanted them to produce salvation in his readers. His words are poured out love pleading with us to hear the Spirit speaking to our hearts.
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore [you] on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.—2 Corinthians 5:20
Today is the day of salvation! Gods does not want any of us, His beloved creatures, to perish but all to come to life in His name. The God of the Universe wants me to be in fellowship with Him. He wants ME to be one with Him, in whom there is no darkness at all, now and forever. This is where our joy will be full both here on earth and in heaven.
that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:21, ESV)
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:9-11, ESV)
