THE FOUNDATION OF ETERNAL LIFE 1 John 1:1-4
THE FOUNDATION OF ETERNAL LIFE
(1 John 1:1-4)
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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—
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.
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THE BIG QUESTION
Where does our assurance of eternal life begin?
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* ++False assurance rests on good works.
* ++No assurance leaves us anxious and troubled.
* ++True assurance begins with Jesus Christ.
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OUTLINE
1. Eternal Life Was Revealed in Jesus Christ
2. Eternal Life Was Proclaimed by Eyewitnesses
3. Eternal Life Is Shared in Fellowship with God
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1. Eternal Life Was Revealed in Jesus Christ (v. 1-2)
“Your hope rests in who Jesus is”
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The Word of Life
* Jesus Christ is the Word of Life.
* He is the very communication of God.
* In Him is life (John 1:4).
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The Divine Word
* Eternal from the beginning.
* With the Father at His side.
* He makes the invisible God known.
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The Incarnate Word
* Heard, seen with eyes, looked upon, and touched.
* A real man who entered history.
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2. Eternal Life Was Proclaimed by Eyewitnesses
(v. 2-3a)
Our assurance rests upon the Jesus
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Eyewitness Testimony
* John and apostles saw, heard, and touched Jesus.
* They testify as courtroom witnesses (martyreo).
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Reliable & Costly Witness
* More than 500 saw the risen Christ.
* Their testimony was sealed with their blood.
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Blessed Are Those Who Believe
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
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3. Eternal Life Is Shared in Fellowship with God
(v. 3b-4)
“In Christ, we have been brought into the life and love of God’s own family..”
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Fellowship with God’s People
* Through faith we are born into God’s family
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Fellowship with God Himself
* Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
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Fullness of Joy
* John writes so that our joy may be complete joy shared in Christ, joy of being brought home.
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WHERE DOES OUR ASSURANCE BEGIN?
Our assurance of eternal life begins with the Incarnate Son whom the apostles witnessed and proclaimed.
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* ++Eternal Life Was Revealed in Jesus Christ
* ++Eternal Life Was Proclaimed by Eyewitnesses
* ++Eternal Life Is Shared in Fellowship with God
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LOOK AGAIN AT CHRIST
* ++Look at the eternal Son who came from the Father.
* ++Look at the One who entered history and could be heard, seen, and touched.
* ++Listen to the testimony of those who saw Him crucified and risen.
* ++Remember what God has given you in Him eternal life, fellowship, and joy.
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Christ is your Savior.
Do not make the strength of your faith your savior.
My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
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