PONDERING... The Witness, The Witnessed, and The Reason (1 John 1:1-4)

The Witness, The Witnessed, and The Reason

Truth Point One: Jesus Really Came and Brought Eternal Life

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

GIST: Jesus really was 100% God and 100% man, and came to bring us eternal life. Only through the proclamation of this truth can anyone experience true joy.

     The more I study 1 John, the more I am confronted by two responses to the letter. First, it is frequently pointed out that it is more scattered in its structure than the other Biblical epistles. However, these acknowledgements are almost always followed by an observation of its deep truth and clear passion of voice. These two stylistic observations can be seen from the outset of the letter. Upon first reading, it might feel tangled, but we have to remember this is not a conventional western essay--it's a conversation. John is an elderly man who sees dangers creeping into the church. He doesn't mince words, but passionately proclaims truth in much the way a someone would in a one-on-one conversation. He makes points, follows others, circles back, and reiterates, but always remains true to his course: there is Truth (Jesus), and it will transform you. In his opening paragraph, he gives what I'll call his first "truth point". Jesus really came and brought eternal life. He broke this down by illustrating he was the witness, establishing who he witnessed, and explaining why he was giving this witness.

The Witness 

1 John 1:1-2 "1 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, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— "

     John emphasizes in these first few lines he was a witness to this Word of Life. It is important to note that he keeps repeating that he has seen, and heard, and touched this life. Jesus' incarnation (His coming as 100% God and 100% man) was being called into question. John wanted to make clear that his testimony can be trusted because he is a first-hand eyewitness. He does not only proclaim what he heard from another; he was with Jesus. He knew and experienced Him intimately.

    The IVP New Testament Commentary points out the progression that he makes in his testimony as seen in verse two. He saw (experienced), testified (attested to), and proclaimed (shared with others/evangelized) eternal life. This should be reflected in the life of every believer.

The Witnessed

See Verse 1-2 above

     Now, John only points out his own trustworthiness as a witness to draw greater attention to who He witnessed. This who is clearerly the focus of the passage (and the entire letter). For most of us, our background leads us, rightly, to believe this is Jesus Christ. But what is he saying about Jesus? Remember, at the time of this letter, as in our own time, there were false teachers calling Jesus' person into question and leading people astray. John counters with truth about our Savior. Let's look at the truths he brings out in this opening two verses.

• That which was from the beginning— Two points can be made here.
  • Jesus is God and has always been. When time began, only those who began it were there.
  • The truth John proclaims about Jesus is not new or modified; it is the same that has been from the beginning.
• Which was seen, heard, and touched—Though John uses these to emphasize his own credibility of experience, he is also making a clear statement about the nature of Christ’s incarnation. Jesus, 100% God, came to the earth truly. He was capable of being seen physically, heard audibly, and touched tangibly. Thus, John is denying the heretical teaching of the Gnostics that Jesus was never truly "in the the flesh". Jesus came 100% God and 100% man. This was necessary for our salvation. For only a man could take our punishment, but only God was worthy. 
• The Word of Life, eternal life, who was with the Father and made manifest to us—Again, this emphasizes a few things.
  • The deity of Jesus— He was with God. He is God.
  • Jesus is the Life— Concerning Word of Life means, in context, this is what was from the beginning that was seen, heard, and touched. This should remind you a lot of the introduction to John's Gospel (See John 1:1-14). He is life, true life. He is our creator (Colossians 1:16-17 "16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”) Literally, without Jesus, life does not exist. Furthermore, He is the Word of Life (John 1—the answer, the Truth). Not only does He provide a path to truth and eternity, He is truth (John 14:6) and eternal life. To know Him is to experience life as we were meant to (John 17:3).
  • He was revealed to us—To manifest means to make known or show. We were shown God through Jesus Christ.

The Reason

1 John 1:3-4 "3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you,so that you too may have

fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete."

     Why is John telling us this? Last week, I tried to break down that the main purpose of this letter let us know if we have eternal life.  In these verses, he breaks down a twofold explanation of what this means.

• Fellowship- First, John tells us this is written so that we could have fellowship with “us” meaning those who are saved. How do we know this? He explains it immediately “our fellowship is with the Father and His Son…” . Only those who have been saved have this fellowship. In fact, eternal life is fellowship with God. However, it is worth noting that fellowship amongst believers is expected. One sign of eternal life is truly loving the Church. As the body of Christ, we are an eclectic mix of people who wouldn’t necessarily ever find common ground—and we shouldn’t just tolerate, but love one another. This is real Christianity. Is it yours? 
• Joy- John tells us this to complete his joy. This isn’t arrogance. Jesus really was 100% God and 100% man, and came to bring us eternal life (which He was). Only through the proclamation of this truth can anyone experience true joy. He is doing this, so we can do likewise.