Doctrine, fellowship, and joy

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. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. - 1 John 1v1-4

It is important to remember that doctrine is not just for preachers and Bible college students. It not just a course we take or something that we add to our knowledge data bank.

John gives us a great example here at the start of 1 John. The doctrine is the deity, the humanity, and the eternality of Christ. Jesus, Who was from the very beginning with the Father, was made flesh and dwelt among mankind. He was seen and handled by regular people. Jesus, as God, was manifested in the flesh to provide eternal life for all who will accept that message.

Now that is a lot of doctrine packed into one little paragraph. We could take days of Bible college lectures to discuss it. But there is more to it than just classroom instruction. John closes with the reason for the teaching – ‘that you may have fellowship with those of us who have fellowship with the Father and the Son so that you might have fullness of joy.’

When God became man and dwelt among us He provided all that was needed for sinful man to have fellowship with sinless God. He bridged the gap. Not only does it make possible fellowship with God, it also makes possible fellowship with each other. The end result of all this should be fullness of joy.