In order to get an overview of this epistle let us note a writer of past years, "The plan or structure of this short but great epistle is simple. Its foundation is laid in the four opening verses of chap.1. The incarnate Word of Life. For the eternal life, which was with the Father, was manifest to chosen witnesses in the fullest way possible; and what they had seen and heard they reported to the believers, that they might have the same fellowship as the apostles (Acts 2:42). And indeed that fellowship was without rival: fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write "we" (as it were in the name of all) to you, that your joy may be made full." W. Kelly, Exposition of the epistle of John.

That which was from the beginning arche; beginning, origin, the active cause

which we have heard akouo; to hear

which we have seen with our eyes horao; to see, discern

which we have looked upon theaomai; careful contemplation

and our hands have handled pselapho; feel, touch, handle

This epistle opens with subjects of the highest importance. This importance was probably due to the fact that John knew that it would be a message for a time soon to come, the destruction of the temple and the slaughter of many Jews. The subjects are the Lord Jesus Christ, His incarnation, and our association with Him. This was a doctrine that would be attacked by the demon hordes over the church age, and now John is going to write facts of the greatest importance concerning Him, and our association with Him.

In the very first verse we are introduced to the Lord Jesus Christ as the creator, governor, and preserver of the universe. It also gives the Lord a unique title, "The Word of Life". Again it also presumes the reader has a knowledge of the gospel of John for, as we study this epistle we note many similarities between it and John's gospel. It also needs us to be sound in the doctrine of the deity of Christ that is so clearly pronounced throughout the Old and the New Testament. This is fundamental to understanding any scripture.

Next we should note that even in the first phrase we begin to see that this epistle has much in common with John's gospel. It is here that we are told again that the man Christ Jesus was from the beginning. It is not that He was the first creature, but most emphatically that He was the first cause, meaning that He was the creator God. We read in the gospel, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God." John 1:1-2. It is interesting to see that the Greek word for "Word" was logos. That is a special word meaning "the expression of thought, the thought concept' as such it means that the Lord Jesus Christ was the very expression of God so when dealing with the human race He became or confined Himself to the form of a man. It is in this capacity that we read, "God was manifest in the flesh". 1Tim.3:16.

Manifest means reveal, make visible, make known. The incarnation was the only way that human beings could even have the possibility of understanding who and what God was. Here was a person with all the human attributes who could be seen, communicated with, and His actions studied, and thus allowing a conclusion to be arrived at as to what kind of person He was. In actual fact He exhibited all the attributes of God.

Can we make a doctrine out of one passage of scripture? The answer is no. The terribly evil doctrine of the Godhead being one person "unitarianism" is believed because it is simple. God is not simple He is omnipotent, omnipresent, immortal, and omniscient at least. It is not possible for the human mind to conceive of anyone or anything not being limited by time, space, and knowledge. Yet God is. The Lord Jesus Christ is God. We read, "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth." John 1:14. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth," In Isaiah 9:6 He is described as "The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father". "who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God." Phil.2:6. Again "Unto the Son He saith, Thy throne O God, is for ever and ever." Heb 1:8. The Lord was, is, and ever will be God.

We are also introduced to the writing of the beloved disciple who clearly states that they had heard of Him (from John the Baptist), physically seen, viewed attentively, and had physical evidence of His humanity. Again all the gospels view Him from a different perspective. His royalty is the theme in Matthew's gospel, in Mark He is seen from the servant's point of view, Luke shows Him as the Son of Man, and John portrays Him as the Son of God. All describe Him as being on the earth as a man. In this epistle it must be noted that it says "from the beginning" not in the beginning thus highlighting Him as the source of all things.

In the title "Word of Life" that life is not human life, it is divine life. It is the source of everything; " all things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and that life was the light of men." John 1:3-4. One supposes the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated that the primary cause of all things both visible and invisible existed. It was more than that. This great primary cause revealed Himself to frail mortals.

(For the life was manifested phaneroo; make visible, make clear

and we have seen it, and bear

witness, and shew unto you that apangello; declare, publish, report

The unique title "the Word of Life" is immediately brought to view in this epistle and for good reason. Here is the object which filled the apostle's view, and so should it be for us. It is the Word of Life as man, understandable to the human race as He became flesh and dwelt amongst us, that is now manifested. He walked amongst us, He lived as a man seen by all to either be accepted for what He is or rejected. We note the words "we" and "us" indicating that the scriptures demand everything to be supported by two or three witnesses. In the case of His humanity, there were many witnesses.

Truly He could say "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." Jno.14:6. It is here the person who had no beginning and no ending is seen clearly by all simply because He has taken human form. He could be closely observed, listened to, spoken to, and touched. Above all His life could be studied, and in every detail of that life He obeyed His Father's will.

He could say, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father:" John 14:9 which means that His reply to Philip made it crystal clear that if Philip had been observing Him he had been observing the Father. In other words it was a perfect manifestation of the Father. Nothing more was needed to portray or describe the Father. He and the Father were one. Note the apostle says in this verse "seen" and "heard".

That which we have seen and horao; the discerning physical look

heard declare we unto you, that apangello; report, declare, publish

ye may also have fellowship koinonia; communion, sharing in common

We noted in verse 1 that the order is "heard and seen" in verse 3 it is "seen and heard". So that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. In verse 1 salvation is experienced, but in verse 3 the experience of getting to know this One led to fellowship. They were seeing His actions, observing His attitudes towards different kinds of people, and listening to His conversation. It might be called a living experience in which a friendship developed.

Naturally salvation commenced this state of affairs as the sinner experienced forgiveness, recognised that they owed an infinite debt of gratitude, and also had the assurance that they were children of God. The tie that bound disciple to Lord was one of love. It was to develop over the three years of their association one with the other, and it was one that bound them progressively closer together.

The point for the christian is that their knowledge of the Lord at salvation, as great a gift as it is, is only limited. It is fellowship first with the Son through whom the Father is revealed that leads us on. It gives us the desire which the apostle Paul had when he said, "that I may know him, and the power of His resurrection" Phil.3:10. This is a personal knowledge of Him not a general knowledge about Him which is two entirely different things.

To young christians it is easier to understand the Lord Jesus Christ than the Father. In this verse one must be struck by the fact that the fellowship is with the Father and the Son. Yet to the new christian the Father is at a distance. This is not so; for as we observe the Lord, the Father is revealed. It is His message that the Lord Jesus Christ brings, it is He who sent His Son, and we read "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Rom.8:32. These are revelations we can only see by observing Him. By observing is meant reading His Word and coming to know Him, and the power of His resurrection. We note His attitude to those in need. We see how He treated His disciples. In all this He is revealing the Father.

As we observe and are drawn closer to Him our eyes are directed away from ourselves to the Father from whom all blessings flow. We see also that the Son glorified the Father in all that He did particularly so when "who through the eternal spirit offered Himself without spot to God" Heb.9:14. It may be slowly, but as we observe the Lord we are surely drawn closer to the Father. We begin to see the person of the Father, we see the only obedient man perfect in every respect glorifying His Father. We see why the Father raised Him from the dead and placed Him above every principality and power. Our position as children is more clearly seen and we agree with both the Father and the Son in all that they do and say. In this we find joy. That is fellowship.

The three preceding verses are written by the apostle for two express purposes:

1. That our fellowship may be with the Father and His Son

2. That our joy may be full.

What the apostle had he wished others to experience for themselves. The fullness of joy is what he had for himself and was precious to him. No doubt christians experience joy at salvation, but not necessarily the fullness of it. What is required in the believer is that kind of fellowship which builds that joy. There must be a cleaving to the Lord with purpose of heart, and a total reliance on His written Word. With this comes that fellowship where we enter into the spirit of all that deity does. We see its purpose, we see it glorifies God, and we see The Father glorifying the Son. It is this that gives us fullness of joy.

We are now directed to the thought that God is light as well as life. When we were saved we were given life, and as we fellowship with the Father and The Son we discover that God is light. We have light shed on our way in that we begin to understand what God is. We have been sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise who takes the things of Christ and shows them to us. In this way our perception of divine things grows. First we see that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. We see the previously unknown invisible God has taken human form and shed light upon our previously darkened minds. Thank God grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. In this verse John clearly is saying that the message, which was given to them personally by the Lord, was that God was light. The world certainly, and christians generally make much of the fact that God is love, but unfortunately often at the expense of His holiness. In this verse the word describing God is light. This is expressive of His absolute purity of nature, and that same nature contained no darkness at all. Because of this we find that He is intolerant of darkness or fault in His children. Now it is very interesting to read what the scriptures say about light and darkness.

God and light is mentioned in Tim.6:16, "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.". Again we read, "But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light." Eph.5:13. God is pure, and concerning His dwelling place, "and there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie:" Rev.21:27. As we have seen above God dwells in light where nothing that defiles has a place. "thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment:..." Psa.104:1-2. Of the New Jerusalem it is written, "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." Rev.21:23.

The natural man can not evaluate himself nor reach the high standards that God has set for those that would associate with Him. Natural man is born in sin, dead in trespasses and sin. God tells us in His Word what the character of man is: "and this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light lest his deeds should be reproved." John 3:19-20. We now see what the Lord had to say at His trial and crucifixion, "....but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then they took Him..." Luke 22:53. Again we read in Luke chapter 23: 44-45 that when He was crucified the whole world became dark.

This indicates that natural man will not, under any circumstances, ever approach God who dwells in light. The reason why he will not approach is because of what the unregenerate man has become is evident immediately, and is condemned for missing the mark (sin). This thing he hates. The light is noted above so now let us note what else God's Word says of Him, "Thou art of purer eyes to behold evil, and canst not look upon iniquity"' Hab.1:13. God and evil can never dwell together. Therefore God has prepared a place for the unsaved person, "and death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Rev.20:14-15.

God's character of perfection is described as light, and on the other hand man's character is described as darkness. Light and darkness are used because one is the direct opposite of the other, and we also note that the two do not mix, or rather that God will not permit darkness in His presence. If this is the case how can there ever be a reconciliation? The answer is simple, "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." 2Cor.5:19. One may answer, "I know that, how can I approach God, as I feel I am what I always was?"

We now can thank God that in His great wisdom, holiness, and grace that forgiveness of sins is not all that we received at the new birth. We received a new nature. We need to look more closely at the passage mentioned above, 2Cor.5:14-19.

Reconciliation means a change, a change from being an enemy to being a friend in this case. The point is that this change in the person has taken place, not because of anything that they have done, except to believe that Christ died for them, but by the mighty working of God. We read, ".because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then all were dead." 2Cor.5:14, and again, "Know ye not, that as many of us as were baptised into Jesus Christ were baptised into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death," Rom.6:4. God counts as dead with Christ. Again one may ask why? Because there is nothing in man that is acceptable to God, absolutely nothing. It is unfortunate that this absolute fact escapes most christians. They are forever trying to make themselves acceptable to God which is an impossibility for two reasons:

1. The old nature, what we are by birth, is not acceptable to God, and can not be improved.

2. God has consigned the old nature to the grave, dead and buried so far as He is concerned.

How then can the unacceptable be acceptable to God? First of all it can not ever be! We have been recreated; note that, we have been recreated!! "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection:" Rom.6:5. Further, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2Cor.5:17. It is positively, definitely not a change in the old nature, or even an improvement, it is a complete obliteration of it, dead and buried, and we have a new life and nature. We are a new creation the moment we were saved.

For the believer it is "even so we should walk in newness of life" Rom.6:4. Should the christian cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart the christians will learn by experience that the old nature is in fact totally corrupt. At that point there is a turning away, a rejection of the old nature, having a sure knowledge that it can not be improved. At this point we can say, "For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing:" Rom.7:18. Deliverance from the bond of the old nature is then found, and "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom.8:1. Indeed "old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new." 2Cor.5:17. It is this mighty, gracious work of God through the Lord Jesus Christ that has created a new person.

God is light, human nature is darkness, but the new creation in Christ Jesus is described thus: "we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection", Rom.6:5. This is the work that God has done immediately one believes. There is no darkness in the new nature, created at that time by God. It is light. It can approach God who dwells in light. The problem is, of course, that the believer does not shed his old nature until resurrection. This being so conflicts may result, and it behoves him to walk circumspectly. "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight." Col.1:21-22. This is reconciliation.

We have both natures till resurrection, and we can operate in either one of them. We are therefore told the following: "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom.8:4. Remember one is darkness and the other is light. It is our choice; it is our responsibility to be occupied with the Lord Jesus Christ, and not the things which cater to the old nature.

The foregoing explains the work of God through the Lord Jesus Christ which brings us into an entirely new position with God. There are five things which are prominent:

1. We have been reconciled

2. We have been adopted into God's family as a child, Gal.4:5

3. We have been baptised into the body of Christ, Gal.3:5-6, and

4. We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings, Eph.1:3.

5. We have been accepted in the Beloved, Eph.1:6.

We have now been brought into a relationship with God whereby we can approach Him now having been made "holy and without blame before Him in love." Eph.1:4. The new nature has had all barriers removed so that he can approach God who is light. Please remember, however, that the old nature can under no circumstances approach God. The new nature's position is one where there is communication between God and the believer. This is the commencement of fellowship, and we are commanded to walk in the Spirit.

If we say we have fellowship with subjunctive mood here means "should say",

Without knowing the foregoing it is impossible to understand the basis of this relationship, and the maintenance of it. This verse simply states the obvious. If we retreat into darkness then, most emphatically, we have no fellowship with the Father who is light. The worst part of it all is that we cannot deceive God, but we may deceive ourselves. Note, to walk in darkness and we should say that we are in "fellowship" with the Father then we lie, and we are not practicing the truth. This verse clearly places a responsibility upon the believer to walk in the light. No longer is the emphasis on God as love, but God is light.

The sin of christendom is that they say they are in fellowship with God, but in fact walk in darkness. They say, but do not do. As mentioned above it is so easy to deceive oneself. One can say he is a christian even when a cursory comparison of his actions against the Word of God shows gross disobedience to it. The Word is the light that the indwelling Spirit takes to illuminate our way, and our behaviour in particular. Any behaviour that deviates from the Word is darkness, and as such not only prevents any association with God, but it also brings judgment or chastisement. Now if we say we have fellowship with God it means that we claim to share His nature, His mind, and His affections. This is indeed so for the believer who has been brought into that position, and who must maintain this new relationship to retain fellowship. The unsaved still have the evil nature with which they were born, and can not communicate with God.

The unbeliever can claim what he likes, but the Word declares his position. The believer, on the other hand, has been brought out of darkness into His marvelous light, and he should walk accordingly, which is his responsibility and bounden duty. That duty is above all obedience to the Word of God. To fail does not take us out of that light, but we lose fellowship with The Father and the Son.

Having shown above the great responsibility of the believer is to walk in the light. We are now faced with one major fact about the believer. The fellowship is conditional. It is not once for all. Therefore to maintain fellowship we, as believers, must fulfill the condition of walking in the light. What may be a problem to some is the mention of cleansing from sin in this verse.

There are three essential marks of a true christian:

1. He walks in the light

2. He has fellowship with others walking in the light

3. He has been cleansed from all sin

The first two points have been covered in the notes above, but the third is of vital importance. On salvation the believer is brought into immediate fellowship with the Father and His Son, but sin breaks fellowship. With respect to the blood the verse says it cleanses from all sin. Three is no sin the sinner commits, past, present or future that has not been cleansed. The cleansing from all that prevented reconciliation has thereby been taken away. The blood cleanses once for all, never to be repeated, but fellowship is conditional.

Cleansed once for all we may be, but due to the influence of the old nature or the world we may sin. We repeat that sin is forgiven, but fellowship is broken; first with the Father and His Son, and second with one another. It is therefore absolutely necessary that as we live the christian life we must allow the Holy Spirit dwelling within to take the word of God and apply it to our souls. This then is described as, "Thy Word is a light unto my feet, and a lamp unto my path." Psa.119:105. Again, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word." Psa.119:9. Further we read of His church, "That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word." Eph.5:26. "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth." John 17:17.

Without question, there must be this application of the Word to our souls continually. The Holy Spirit applying it in power and our obedience to His leadings works the wonderful work of correction, cleansing, and fellowship.

At this point it is good to note the two phrases in this chapter, "If we (should) say" in verses 6 and 8. In verse 6 if we should say we have fellowship with God and walk in darkness we are liars. In verse 8 if we should say we have no sin we are self-deceived, and are strangers to the truth. It is utterly impossible for a sane person to examine their inner self and come to the conclusion that there was no sin there. He would be totally blind to what is patently obvious to everyone else. Furthermore we are calling God a liar. Would He say that we should walk in the Spirit so that we should not fulfill the lusts of the flesh if that were not possible? It is possible to fulfill the lusts of the flesh as every honest christian will admit.

If we confess our sins, He is homologeo; admit oneself is guilty of the accusation

faithful and just to forgive us dikaios; righteous

all unrighteousness. every

There is beauty in this verse because we find once again the infinite grace of God at our disposal. We do sin, and for the young christian that is a worry when Satan attacks that some Christian at he may be lost to His service. Again we repeat that once saved always saved, and the only thing for the sinning christian to do is confession. That is admitting the charge leveled against him by the Word of God. On that admission He is faithful and righteous to forgive, and to cleanse from every deed of unrighteousness and all defilement resulting from that sin. That means fellowship is restored once again; what infinite grace!

Let us not make the mistake Adam made in the garden by hiding our sin. That is not possible. God sees it, and His chastising rod of correction is applied to our back. Even that is for our good as He treats us as His beloved children. This surely brings to mind that fact outlined in John 15:1-10 we learn that unless abiding in our Lord we will not bear fruit, and if no fruit is borne we are purged (chastised). Further in 1Pet.1:14-17 we are told that as obedient children we should not fashion ourselves after our old life and nature, but as our Father is holy so also must we be.

In this verse we have the third, "If we say", and terrible indeed it is. If we say we have not sinned is almost rebellion against God. If not, certainly it is being blinded by the God of this world. The word of God says "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" what terrible state one must be in not to believe such a statement. We are most certainly calling God a liar, and even more emphatically His Word is not in us. What do we conclude then? We have a heavenly Father who dwells in light. We have a responsibility to walk according to that light to maintain that fellowship with the Father and His Son. Our new nature longs for it, and His Word must be our guide with the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit applying it to our hearts. We find that our every wayward move is brought to our conscience pleading with us to confess, receive forgiveness, cleansing, and to restore fellowship.

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6

There is a great difference between walking in the light and walking according to the light. Of course we should walk according to the light which is the God Word, but walking in the light is not that. Walking in the light implies that the light is shining on the person walking. An onlooker would see the person walking in the light as one with a searchlight focused on him. Nothing would be hidden from view, all would be exposed. So we see the person in the light can partly see himself, and so can all those in contact with him.

There is a second aspect of walking in the light, and that is that the walker has a character which is like that of the Lord Himself. Therefore he has a desired to obey His Word which says, "Be ye holy as I am holy." This indicates that there is light emanating from him even as the there is light on him revealing him. With this character the walker in the light, being visible to all, may still not be aware of every blemish on his person. However those looking on may well be able to do so, and may inform the person in the light of any blemish seen, and he could immediately see the blemish and rectify it. That is fellowship. It is unfortunate that this aspect of walking in the light is not seen by some, and they may resent others informing them of their faults. This is darkness, and must be avoided.

The subject in that portion of John's epistle which we have noted above is fellowship. What has been brought before us there is the practical aspect of maintaining that fellowship by walking in the light. That is in the light of God's Word, and having it applied to our hearts. We have seen what is required on our part, and also how to correctly judge whether other christians are similarly walking.

It may be of advantage to look at other scriptures which speak of fellowship in order to get a better understanding of just what fellowship means. Let us note the following verses:

The word doctrine in the Greek as used in this verse emphasises the authority of the teaching, and the reason for that authority is given in Ephesians. Now we are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens, "and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone." Eph.2:20. It is of vital importance to note that perseverance in the apostle's doctrine preceded, and we know it produced fellowship just as we have noted above. It must be stressed that fellowship can occur no other way.

Notice the order of God; first the obedience to God's Word which led to fellowship, then church activity in the breaking of bread and prayers. Beware of those who would reverse the order, and demand breaking of bread before knowing that a fellowship exists or even what it is. Walking in the light determines everything.

Indeed God is faithful, and He has called us into the close relationship of a child, and therefore fellowship where we share with Him the things concerning His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and His thoughts of Him. This is possible because He has recreated us and given us a nature like His.

In this verse the Macedonians are commended for their great desire to assist the poorer saints. This giving is called fellowship and is a real sharing and an understanding of what is meant to have things in common.

right hand of fellowship;".

It is easy for the young christian to miss the meaning of giving the right hand. The first mention of "the right hand" is in Genesis where Jacob blessed Ephraim in preference to Manasseh, and he had to cross his hands to place his right hand on Manasseh's head.

In the Psalms it is mentioned 41 times. It ascribes to God's right hand power, majesty, and authority. In Hebrews it is mentioned 5 times. The Lord Jesus Christ has ascended on high and seated at the right hand of God. The position of power and authority. When it is mentioned in Ga.2:9, "giving the right hand of fellowship, Gal.2:9, betokening the public expression of approval, by the leaders at Jerusalem, of the course pursued by Paul and Barnabas among the gentiles." W E Vine, N.T. Dictionary.

This public expression of acceptance (right hand) was not given lightly, and it is of the utmost importance to understand what occurred at that event. To begin with: when the three "perceived" the "grace". Perceived in Greek is "ginosko" which means, to take in knowledge, come to know. This indicates that there was a process involved, over a period of time, before a full realisation and understanding of the relevant facts became evident. It was not a snap decision. The context implies that all the acts of Paul were considered, and must have been measured against those of Peter's, and the Word so far received. We can be absolutely certain that there was consideration, deliberation, and intelligence applied before Paul's past actions were accepted. Fellowship was not given until full knowledge was obtained. How important it is to note this.

It is interesting to note the verses in Philippians mentioning fellowship; Phil.1:5, 2:1, and 3:10 all of which give us more understanding of the meaning of fellowship.

We have learnt that to have fellowship one with another we must:

1. Walk in the light as He is in the light

2. Be obedient to the Word of God

3. Confess our sins as soon as they are committed, and be thus

cleansed from all unrighteousness

4. Prove that the others, supposedly in fellowship are obeying

the scriptures.

5. Take time and determine that fellowship is warranted.

We read, ".I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils (demons). 1Cor.10:20 Again a verse which some totally ignores, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Eph.5:11. The last verse makes the position quite clear. The believer is not to have anything in common with the unfruitful works of darkness. This simply means if it is unscriptural, that is if it has no backing from the Word of God, do not touch it, but rebuke it.

By reading these notes one may have some idea of the theory of fellowship, and hopefully some very real practical experience in spiritual fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. In real life, however, our determination to "cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart" may well be put to the test. There must be trial and testing in order to prove our value as a son and servant, by our obedience to the Word. It is not by saying, but by doing that sorts the obedient from the disobedient.

These are without question the last days, Israel is in the land, the revived Roman Empire is about to be revealed, and the church is in ruins. This is the Laodicean age where, "I know...thou knowest not", Rev.3:15-17. This again is a clear and precise statement. The Laodicean christian does not know, or is even slightly aware that they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. It is almost impossible to believe that christians could get into this state, but christian's actions today declare it.

As the above is true according to the Word of God it is quite likely that, by some unfortunate circumstance, one may find himself in a meeting with disobedient christians. All would be totally out of fellowship with the Lord, and He outside the church door. Provided there is a determination by that believer to do His will then doctrinal errors in the meeting will be revealed progressively to him as he walks in the light. At this point the spiritual christian has quite a problem.

What the scriptures say is clear; the unfruitful works of darkness

must be reproved, and that is distressing. The spiritual believer is grieved more and more until a stand is made and the scriptures brought to bear in reproof on the problem. He might expect those in error to acknowledge their sin and conform to the bible standards. Unfortunately it is at this point that the following scriptures, more often than not, are found to be true. "And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." Jno.3:19

Again, "for to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So they that are in the flesh cannot please God" Rom.8:6-8. There is no doubt that the unsaved, and the carnal christian has a similar attitude to the Word of God. They simply refuse to be subject to it. The bible student must be struck with the fact that both can not, and will not subject themselves to the law of God.

As a consequence the flesh forcibly opposes the applied Word of God, and eventually one or the other will take control. Should the flesh win then the spiritual ones are forced either to accept error (which is sin) or leave the so called assembly. The following scripture is also fulfilled, "For there must be also heresies among you that they which are approved may be made manifest." 1Cor.11:19.

Again let us note: "They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." 1Jno.2:19. The meeting, in which the believer walking in the light finds himself alone, may be a group which broke off from the true and scriptural one some time beforehand. In which case that believer has never really had any spiritual fellowship, but being enlightened finds he now is in a spiritual conflict against error. He now has God's training.

The light has been applied to these believers, and in response to the Holy Spirit's leading they are forced to speak out in reproof in order to see correction in the group. When there is no response eventually they have to leave the place of error. This is never an easy experience. There is much heartache and agony as there may be relatives and old friends divided over the truth. In the end those walking in the light must and will obey the scriptures. They will see a response to the scriptures from those in error after having been reproved, or they will have no option but to leave the place of error. There must be no compromise with evil.

In the previous notes on fellowship the test as to whether those in error would respond to the truth has been applied. If the truth of the scriptures has been given in reproof with no result then they are walking in darkness. "Should they say they have fellowship with the Father and His Son", they lie. Those who obey the truth leave the place of error with many feelings. Have they given those in error sufficient time to consider the truth? Have they acted in love by leaving the meeting? Was reproof given in love etc.?

If one is walking in the light the Holy Spirit dwelling within will make it very evident if a wrong action or attitude is taken. How should one feel if rebuke has to be given? No doubt with much regret for having to do so. Again when the spiritual one administers reproof and rebukes it is the carnal christian and unsaved who accuse the spiritual one of wrong doing in every word and action said and taken. Even more so when the attitude and the intention was to do, those in error, good. Even if there is no animosity intended by the spiritual christian whatsoever in this matter it is still a heart breaking experience to see friends choose error rather than obedience to His Word.

This word is used 17 times in the New Testament. Six times it is translated as reprove, five as rebuke, 4 as convince, once as convict, and once as tells one's fault. The word in Greek is elencho; and it implies a rebuke which carries conviction. It is more than a rebuke which may not be deserved which is a different word in the Greek. It is given to convict of sin, it drives the point home to the conscience, and produces shame. It shows the true character of the fault. That indeed is a powerful application of the Word of God. This word is used in the convicting of sin, John 16:8; it is used to shut the mouths of gainsayers. In 1Cor.14:24, the sinner is convicted of his sin. It is of great importance to note that in dealing with one who has sinned against you the same word is used, "tell him his fault", Mat.18:15. Conviction of error is required. Remember evil doers hate the light.

This is what the scriptures teach should happen when the unfruitful works of darkness are encountered. Does this take place in practice? In most cases no. However when a christian is walking in the light, and maintaining fellowship with the Father and His Son it does. As we noted above this will lead to division. Note well that the division is not caused by the person walking in the light. All he has done is to apply that same light to the works of darkness, and as a consequence the evil doers, be they christians or not, hate the light. They then turn away from the light and fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Let us repeat, it is not the christian walking in the light that caused the division as no unity existed in the first place. This fact is vitally important to remember. Should those walking in darkness heed the application of the Word to their souls in power by the Holy Spirit they will confess their sin, be cleansed of unrighteousness, and fellowship is restored to all concerned. In this day and age this is less common than rebellion against God and His Word. Hence we have the true Laodicean age in full bloom.

The believers walking in the light above were forced to physically remove themselves from the lovers of darkness who had no fellowship with the Father and His Son. That was an absolutely necessary action to take. A problem arises, however, when christians visiting the evil meeting come to expect fellowship with those walking in the light. God clearly states that to have fellowship with both is impossible. We state again that is absolutely impossible!!! God has nothing to do with evil; that should be obvious. We are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but we are to reprove them.

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Do you really think that if you have had to leave the meeting or maybe have even been cast out by the local Diotrephes, because you dared to reprove them, that their nature has changed? God's Word says absolutely not. Not without confession, cleansing, and restoration of fellowship with you! You will be the first to know the change. Well then what about the visitor who says he went there to reprove them. Do not believe him. Most emphatically not, particularly if he can go back again. You have been told, have no fellowship with darkness because there is none. Then ask yourself, how can someone else have fellowship with that which you can not, and be in fellowship with you? Impossible!

That person can have fellowship with darkness because he is not walking in the light. Is any man above the Word of God? Most certainly not!! Let us examine two possibilities,

1. One who visits the place of darkness may be ignorant of the fact that it is so.

2. The person who visits the place knows that you do not have fellowship with them.

We have to assume that this person did not know previously that your meeting existed. That would be most unusual. Therefore the question must be asked, why did he go there in the first place? Perhaps the most likely answer is that he saw it advertised in a magazine. Then we have to ask why is it being advertised in any publication operating in the light? Two possibilities come to mind:

1. The magazine is not aware of the position

2. The magazine is aware of the position.

If the magazine is not aware of the position, we ask why not? This raises a great number of questions, and problems. By what scripture are you required to advise a magazine of your position anyway. It might be asked what right do they have to publish any meeting place, and why. The publisher might reply and say that it is to help traveling christians find a meeting place. If a meeting place is listed which you know is unscriptural, what sort of publication is it? The most likely reason for publishing meeting places is to show that all these listed places belong to one organization.

Tradition and traditional behaviour then must be noted. Are all the places listed scriptural assemblies? Can you be sure they are? Do you know if any are not scriptural? If you have found the place you left is still listed you may wonder why. One should ask, has the publisher made sure that all listed are scriptural; if not then believers can be led astray.

If you have written to the magazine and told them of the position, what was their response? Do they still list the meeting that is in darkness? If so why? Do they list your meeting? If so why? If not why not? If the publication can list that which you know to be evil, what is their spiritual status? It would seem to be nonexistent, or they do not care. Having received your notification did they act according to scripture? Did they follow the precedence set in Deut.13:14, "Then thou shalt inquire, and make search, and ask diligently;"? It is almost certain that they would not, for they themselves walk in darkness and not according to the light. They have fellowship with the works of darkness. That being so your meeting makes no difference to them. They will publish it or not, depending on the mood they are in at the time. One suspects that they are provably denominational therefore they will publish both meetings to make the organization look bigger. That certainly caters to the flesh, and they get the popular vote. Does its staff act with any authority over meetings? If so this organization is provably unscriptural.

The second class of visitor is aware of your position, but goes to both meetings. Just think for one minute. That can not be done scripturally for as previously seen in the scriptures that person is supposedly having fellowship with both light and darkness at the same time. From the very mouth of God that is impossible!! This man is extremely dangerous as by example he is leading other christians astray. They may say, "Brother So-and-so goes there it must be good."

This evil person may, and usually does, give some excuse for his actions. As mentioned above he may say, "I go there to reprove them." From your past agonising experience you know it is not possible to reprove them without arousing their hatred. The Word of God is clear on that point. That he can go back again proves conclusively that he has not reproved the works of darkness. He therefore must be suspected of lying.

Finally in respect to this man we must ask just what his motives are. If he is walking in the dark his motives are not spiritual, but rather carnal. He is doing what he does for his own advantage, perhaps base gain. We may not be able to understand his motives, but his actions are clear. They are unscriptural.

Again it is repeated it is an agonizing experience to leave a meeting because of unscriptural practices on their part. That is grievous. Then you may have reproved them, and felt their hatred. That is an agonizing experience also. What it does is to make the believer walking in the light feel isolated. That is the shock one experiences, and there is a tendency to draw near to other assemblies or christians to find consolation.

Consolation is not found in other assemblies, in each other, or any other way but by cleaving to the Lord with purpose of heart. It is He who should fill the mind of such christians. He is the One who said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Again, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love." Jno.14:9-10.

All we have to do is to obey His Word. With that comes not only His comforting fellowship, but also His infinite love. There can be no better position.

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