“And these things we write unto you that our joy may be full” (vs4).

John writes for our benefit, so that we’d know the Father, the Son, and have JOY because of it. He is doing us good.

The apostles labored so that we’d be saved. John writes, “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, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” They had no hidden agenda for fame and money. They wanted us to persevere and enjoy God, so listen. Christ sent them to show the way, to lay the foundation, and we experience Christ through them.

The gospel - even though it reproves and demands obedience - is full of joy. John says elsewhere, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). Are you looking for JOY? Here it is: Know God for yourself and make Him known, so that others can be saved.

Secondly, Jesus is the only ransom and atonement (1 John 1:5-2:2). John writes, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation [appeasement] for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world”. He is the Savior of EVERYONE who comes to Him and the only the reason God forgives and receives us. John writes, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin”. Our ENTIRE relationship with God is by Christ’s death to put away sins and earn holiness for us. He works by reconciliation and saves anyone who trusts His Son. We read, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” We walk in darkness and deceive ourselves, if we present Him our best efforts. Christ stands FOR US before God, and He is enough to bring down the blessing. The Light is walking with God by the blood of His Son in hope and heavenly power.

Do not refuse the Propitiation. CONFESS your sins – your inability to honor God – and He promises forgiveness and cleansing. Do not doubt the blood. It is powerful and FOR you (1 John 2:2).

Finally, the last test of authenticity is obedience by Jesus’ blood (1 John 2:3-6). We read, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” He makes us LIVE godly by the gospel, cleansing us, changing us and producing love, peace, and godliness. The gospel has two legs or it can’t stand. We’re saved APART from our works, and we’re saved to work for Him. It is both - a gospel of doing nothing and a gospel where faith is measured by deeds. I can’t love God and hate men. The blood must produce gentleness and goodness. I have no claims on Christ unless I believe that He makes me clean.