“…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.” 1 John 1:3
John the Apostle was a very old man when he wrote his first epistle, or letter. Much like the Apostle Paul, who approaching his departure to go and be with Christ, there was the communication to the hearers of their messages, primarily the believers of their days, the great essentials needed to be grasped so that the individual believer, as well as the church, could by the eternal truths, commandments and promises of God, appropriate the Son of God by the Spirit. The great and singular call to every believer then and now was to fellowship with God, the Father and Christ, by the Holy Spirit. The cross had dealt with sins and the sinner, the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus had dealt with the very means by which old things had passed away, and all things had become new. The message so essential at that time, and this, is that every believer is called to KNOW God, to abide in Christ and Christ to abide in him. It is a call to walk in the light as Christ is in the light, deriving all from Him by that inward aspiration of faith. It was a call to know the peace of God which passes understanding, the love of Christ which passes understanding, the power of God communicated by the Spirit of God. It was a call to know the reality of Christ dwelling in the heart by faith, filling the heart and soul, leading, guiding, providing for, and keeping, on this earth in such a way that others would see Christ’s life, taste and see that the Lord is good. Where are we to begin in such a consideration and study of this most remarkable mystery in Christ, a mystery which had been hidden from before the foundation of the world, but revealed to the Apostles and the Prophets? It is a knowledge that is for the present time, then revealed at the resurrection of Christ and thereafter, but also revealed NOW, so that Christ by His Spirit should manifest His glory in His living body, the church. The revelation is manifested as a testimony and witness to the greatness of the glory of God, revealed in His working, and powerfully spread throughout the world. The church, the assembly of believers, as well as every individual therein is called to know the power of the living Christ, every day, and in every way and aspect of one’s life and existence. How is this to be known and lived?
Understanding Christianity, as revealed in the Scriptures ALWAYS begins with the work of God in Christ accomplished once and for all on the cross. This perfect and immutable (unchanging), everlasting work is the basis for God-given faith to lay hold of Christ, and live by Him, by His Spirit. Christ’s finished work was the beginning of all things new, because it opened up heaven itself, giving access to every believer to seek those things which are above in Christ, at the right hand of the Father. Access was given to God the Father by the blood of Christ, and the enablement of the Spirit. Boldness with humility was given by the knowledge of our Advocate and High Priest, Christ. Assurance was provided by the very Spirit of Christ, that very witness of God that one is not only a child of God, but a fellow heir with Christ, accepted into the very presence of the Almighty God in peace.
To the individual, every two believers together in unity, and to every assembly of believers which is at peace with God, is given the promise: “…how much more will your Father who is in heaven give GOOD THINGS to those who ask Him?” (Matt. 7:11) Scripture then adds, “…how much more will your heavenly Father give THE HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11:13)
Dear Father, Fill us to overflowing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.