Continued from last week
John's message was concerning the world of life, a reference to Jesus as the eternal word, and the source of life. Similarly. Jesus is called the eternal life because he provides that life to those who believe in him. Eternal life is more than just unending existence. Having a relationship with Christ is the essence of eternal life. "This is eternal life; that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent, Jesus Christ."
As the Son of God, the pre-incarnate Christ was one with the Father and remained so even after the incarnation. When the Son became a man in the person of Jesus Christ, He was revealed to us , that is, to the Apostles. It is this revelation of the Incarnate Son that John said :We also declare to you. Gnostic teaching claimed that all matter is evil, which meant that the transcendent, God could never become matter---an actual part of the physical world--for that would be tantamount to God becoming evil. But not all matter is evil; in fact, after completing the creation of the universe, God declared it "Very Good". The Gnostics dared to say that God, the Creator, was wrong about his Creation. And because of this they claimed that God could never become human; He could only seem to be human. This demonistrates how one false teaching can easily lead to another.
John's purpose in declaring the truth of the Incarnate Word was so that you may have fellowship along with us. John wanted to share the Gospel with his readers so they could have fellowship with God just as he and the other Apostles had. This is brought out by the words "Along with", which means "in company with." Fellowship with with other believers is not in view here as it is in Verse 7. The death and Resurrection of Christ provided salvation for all who believe in Him. The Apostles were eyewitnesses of Christ's ministry and Resurrections, and they were the first to share the gospel with others after Penticost so that all who responded by faith could also have fellowship with the Father through Christ. All believers are on the same level with God---whether apostles, teachers, layman, or new converts.
The word "felowship", descibes salvation itself, not a special category of believers who have performed well. Salvation includes participation in the life provided by "Jesus Christ" who is "the Word of Life" and who gives us access to "the Father"
The Apostle gave another purpose for writing this letter. His "Joy" would be "complete" when his readers responded to the "truth" that he proclaimed and believed in Christ for salvation. There is no greater joy for ministers of the gospel than to see the fruits of their labors, whether it be the lost coming to salvations or belivers living their lives in a way that pleases God.
:)
NEXT WEEK
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"Walking in Fellowship"
Always remember, with God anything is possible
Note
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Ok, I have done the Bible Study for 2 weeks now, Plmk if you would like me to continue this? If you say yes, then I will most gladly continue, I greatly enjoy writing these and spreading the good Word of God :)
Have a great day!
:)
1|1|Thank you!! LOVE these Bible studies and your daily versus as well!! |Skaytes|skaytez@gmail.com|18:57:58|11/15/2009|
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2|1|Thank you|WillaD|wila111@bellsouth.net|20:32:12|11/15/2009|
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If you are going to hold my envie until
you get your envie please lmk up front--
I JUST LOVE THIS HOBBY
Willa 3|1|thanks so much for the time you take to do this...a wonderful start to my day!|blessedx5|I_am_blessedx5@yahoo.com|06:45:57|11/16/2009|
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