In the sobering setting of a funeral for someone known for their sinful lifestyle, we are reminded of a stark truth: you cannot live like hell and expect heaven. This concept introduces the sermon on 1 John 1, where the Apostle John confronts false teachings infiltrating the early church. Approximately 60-70 years after the church’s birth, Gnosticism arose, promoting the belief that secret knowledge (gnosis) ensured salvation, dismissing the significance of moral living. Gnostics taught that the physical world was inherently evil, claiming that those possessing spiritual knowledge could sin without consequence. John wrote this letter to counter such deceptive teachings and to reveal the true pathway to eternal life, emphasizing assurance through Jesus Christ as stated in 1 John 5:13.

From the outset, John declares the eternal nature of God, identifying Him as the Creator existing outside space, time, and matter. John 1 and Genesis 1 affirm this foundational truth. While humanity is bound by time’s linear progression, God exists in the eternal “now,” where past and future converge. God, who is spaceless, timeless, and immaterial, bridges the gap between eternity and finite humanity through Jesus Christ. John recalls his firsthand experience with the incarnate Word of Life, testifying that Jesus manifested eternal life, allowing believers to fellowship with the Father and the Son (1 John 1:1-3).

This bridge to eternity is vividly illustrated in Genesis 28:12, where Jacob dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, a foreshadowing of Jesus, who explicitly identifies Himself as that connection in John 1:51. Through Him, eternal life becomes accessible to humanity, providing hope and assurance.

John also presents his message as an eyewitness testimony. He and other apostles, including Matthew, Peter, and those recorded by Mark and Luke, were reliable witnesses, intimately acquainted with Jesus and willing to face persecution for the truth. The reliability of their accounts is reinforced by the unprecedented manuscript evidence of the New Testament, far surpassing that of other ancient texts. With over 5,800 manuscripts, its authenticity and consistency remain unparalleled.

Two primary reasons for John’s writing are revealed in 1 John 1:3-4: to foster fellowship with God and one another and to bring fullness of joy. Eternal life, contrary to Gnostic beliefs, cannot be attained apart from fellowship with Jesus Christ. Assurance of salvation is likened to the peace of insurance—comforting to have but invaluable when needed most.

The central theme of John’s message is encapsulated in 1 John 1:5: God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. Light symbolizes purity and holiness, illuminating the truth that God is inherently good and devoid of evil. The imagery of light driving out darkness parallels the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives, convicting us of sin and empowering us to walk in righteousness. John challenges those who claim fellowship with God but persist in sin, labeling them as liars. Genuine relationship with God compels repentance and sanctification.

The cleansing power of Jesus’ blood is highlighted in 1 John 1:7, which not only removes sin but also delivers spiritual life, strengthens believers to resist temptation, and heals wounds—spiritual, emotional, and physical. Hebrews 9:22 underscores that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are continually purified, enabling them to walk in the light and maintain fellowship with one another.

John also addresses the denial of personal responsibility for sin, a common error among the Gnostics. They claimed the material world’s inherent evil absolved them of accountability. However, John refutes this self-deception, emphasizing the necessity of confession (1 John 1:9). For unbelievers, confession leads to forgiveness and salvation. For believers, it ensures ongoing purification, as all sins—past, present, and future—are already forgiven through Christ’s atonement.

Finally, John warns against the arrogance of claiming sinlessness (1 John 1:10), which equates to making God a liar. Instead, he outlines the believer’s journey through justification, sanctification, and ultimate glorification, providing a clear picture of God’s redemptive work in their lives.

This message reminds us that Jesus Christ is the only bridge to eternity, offering fellowship with God, the assurance of salvation, and the joy of walking in the light. If you are seeking hope, peace, and purpose, we invite you to Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, led by Pastor Allen Victor.

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