1 John 1

The Word of Life

1 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 WordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). of life; Parallel theme: 1 John 4:14, Micah 5:2, Luke 24:39, John 5:26, 8:58, 19:35, 20:27, Acts 1:3, 4:20, Revelation 1:8 +5

2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternalEternal: αἰώνιος (Aiōnios). The Greek aiōnios (αἰώνιος) denotes eternal or everlasting—unending duration. Believers possess 'eternal life' (John 3:16) now and will dwell with God eternally, while the impenitent face 'eternal punishment' (Matthew 25:46). life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) Eternal Life: 1 John 5:11, 5:20, John 17:3, Titus 1:2. Parallel theme: 1 John 3:5, 3:8, John 1:4, 14:6, Galatians 4:4, 1 Timothy 3:16 +5

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. References Jesus: 1 John 1:7, John 17:3, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Corinthians 13:14. References Christ: Philippians 2:1, Hebrews 3:14. Parallel theme: 1 John 1:1, John 17:21, Acts 4:20, Philippians 3:10 +5

4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. Parallel theme: Isaiah 61:10, John 3:29, 15:11, 16:24, 2 Corinthians 1:24, Ephesians 3:19, 2 John 1:12 +2

God Is Light

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Light: Psalms 27:1, 36:9, Isaiah 60:19, John 1:4, 1:9, 8:12, 9:5, James 1:17, Revelation 21:23, 22:5 +5

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truthTruth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia). The Greek aletheia (ἀλήθεια) denotes truth or reality—that which corresponds to actuality. Jesus declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6), embodying ultimate reality.: Truth: 1 John 2:4. Darkness: Proverbs 2:13, John 8:12, 12:35, 12:46. Parallel theme: 1 John 1:3, 1:10, 4:20, John 11:10, James 2:14 +5

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sinSin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia). The Greek hamartia (ἁμαρτία) means sin—missing the target of God's perfection. 'All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23), requiring Christ's atoning sacrifice.. References Jesus: 1 Corinthians 6:11. Light: 1 John 1:5, John 12:35, Romans 13:12, Ephesians 5:8. Sin: Ephesians 1:7, Revelation 1:5. Blood: Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 1:19, Revelation 7:14 +5

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Sin: 1 John 1:10, Proverbs 20:9, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23. Truth: 1 John 2:4. Parallel theme: Job 15:14, Psalms 143:2, Isaiah 64:6, James 3:2 +5

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Faith: 1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Timothy 1:15, Hebrews 10:23. Sin: 1 John 1:7, Nehemiah 1:6, Psalms 32:5, Proverbs 28:13, Jeremiah 33:8, Ezekiel 37:23. Parallel theme: Ezekiel 36:25 +5

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). is not in us. Sin: 1 John 1:8. Word: 1 John 2:4, 2:14. Parallel theme: 1 John 5:10, Psalms 130:3, 2 John 1:2