Skip to main content

Fellowship in Christ

Now, those keeping his words, truly, the agape love of God is perfected, in this we know that we exist in him. The one saying he abides in God ought to walk as Jesus walked, and dear friends not a new commandment I write to you...*

The word know speaks of personal experience, not like the demons who know God, nor does knowing him speak of perfection through following commandments nor in elemental principles of this world that appeal to the flesh. Knowing him is not based upon being a member of some religious system established by men. John writes earlier "now, in this we know that we know God, if we keep his commandments."* Yes, we know that we love him because we keep his word, which in context speaks of a process of maturity that brings forth people who walk in truth and in love. John goes on to also write this is the commandment that we must follow, one that indicates that we truly know that we know God. It is not a new commandment, it is one heard from the beginning, words of Jesus saying love one another.* This is a masterpiece of writing, in it we see the service of grace that wards off any attempts to be justified by works, thinking that we know God and are obedient to God just because we follow commandments. No, our perfection is in love and in love grace reigns through righteousness, or the fruit of love produces obedience. This fruit is produced in abiding and in fellowship that we have in Christ.

 Now, those keeping his word, truly the love of God is perfected.*

In love we are being perfected, which speaks of the end goal, and of it being finished in Christ. Perfected to do what? to bring forth good works, to practice truth, to keep his word. This makes sense because if truly it is finished in Christ then why would we not walk in love? why would the fear of punishment be a motivator unto obedience, if it is finished in Christ? In the love of God we are perfected, truth in love produces the fruit of obedience, which is not following rules and regulations, commandments in handwriting, or elemental principles of this world. These scriptures make a distinction between what it means to follow the "letter of the law" and what it means to follow Jesus. The rich young ruler followed the commandments, he said since he was a child and he thought himself perfect, but Jesus said sell all you have and follow me. He walked away sad, though he followed commandments he did not follow the words of Jesus. So we make this clear distinction as John does, and as Paul, we will not rule over sin through following the "letter of the law" but under grace being perfected in truth, the words of Jesus, and in agape love.

those keeping his word... is perfected.*

Walking in love is walking in truth. Keep means to observe, guard, but also to keep one in that state in which he is. Keeping is the key to practicing truth and is much like the concept of abiding in that we are connected to the Vine and must remain in the Vine to bear fruit. Jesus said the one abiding will bear fruit. Truly, it is God's faithfulness and His love that pursues us, that doesn't let us stay in a state that is not of love and truth. The word of God "saves" us and keeps us in a state of accepting his will as perfect and pleasing. In other words the word of God renews the mind and his words give life thus we come to understand his words are Life. The concept of keeping is of abiding, thus to keep the word of God, to be obedient, is to abide in the Word of life. Obedience is not based upon following commandments but in abiding in truth and if we abide in truth we abide in love as we are being perfected or walking in truth in love. Therefore the perfection of love is like the service of grace, in that it wards off any attempt of us trying to perfect ourselves but also perfection is accomplished in love or love motivates.

Again a new commandment I write to you, one existing true in Him, and in you, seeing that the darkness passes away and the true light now shines.*

Fellowship is in the Light and in Love. The sign that the "darkness passes away and the true light now shines" is seen in that we follow or keep his words. His word, the new commandment that Jesus gave to love one another is the commandment John writes of, thus a sign we have passed from death unto life is that we love one another. It is amazing truth, the one that Jesus spoke, the world will know that we are his disciples by how we love one another. The sign of loving God John gives us is not helping others outside the Church nor is it the sign of loving the lost, though the gifts like that of evangelism are given to the Church, the sign is that we love inwardly, loving one another this the world would see. To love Jesus and to be perfected is to be obedient to his words. God is love and God is holy, therefore holiness, or obedience to his commands is seen in that I agape love my brother. A Church that says it loves the lost but doesn't love and care for its own is not walking in fellowship. The concept of abiding or fellowship encompasses all these; walking in the Light, walking in truth, and walking in love. How can I walk as Jesus walked? abide in his words. How can I say I love the lost but turn my heart from my brother as if this is some sacrifice for Jesus? I can not. How can I think I am better than he the least of these my brethren whom God has loved and the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed? Surely to do this is to say I am without sin which also says I am not practicing truth or walking in the Light.

The one who says he exists in the Light and hates his brother exists still in darkness. The one loving his brother is living in the Light and in him exists no darkness.*

There is love in fellowship. We see earlier John writes of the concept that a child of God can walk in darkness, a telling sign which we now see of such darkness is of not loving the very body of Christ, His brethren, especially the least of these. The solution for such is to walk in the Light, which is abiding in truth and love, in fellowship, thus the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. People who have a mindset of judgment and condemnation, often called hatred of sin, lack love, and because they do not follow the words of Jesus and walk as he did loving and forgiving, they do not keep his words. The fallacy of such legalism is that it doesn't love and that it produces fear which doesn't teach the child of God to boldly approach the throne of grace. And is not this fellowship, coming into His presence, and what John writes of? such a fellowship that cleanses from all sin, and John writes this that we may not sin and that our joy may be complete in His fellowship. It is not that Jesus has to die again, shedding his blood for forgiveness, no, we have received that in Christ, but that fellowship in the Word of Life washes us clean, cleansing the consciousness defiled by sin.

My little children I am writing so that you may not sin.*

There is peace in fellowship. The audience here in this chapter is threefold in maturity, and I would even say in the first chapter John writes to unbelievers also, so its amazing truth would apply to all. John is writing these things so our joy may be complete, and that we may not sin. He goes on to write the young person overcomes evil by abiding in the Word of Life. But if we do walk in darkness and sin, we have an advocate with the Father. Paul writes he exists a great high priest who can sympathize with our weakness because though he did not sin he understands the weakness of the flesh we live in. "And He exists a propitiation for our sin, and not for ours only but also for the entire world."* Propitiation means he took our place receiving judgement for sin, and it also means appeasement, he appeased God's wrath toward sin, not just ours but "also for the entire world." Not only did he die for sin, once and for all, as Paul writes he also nailed to the cross the commandments in handwriting that were adverse to us. Of course we know the Law was spiritual thus the solution to following the laws of God is to be born of Spirit and to have a renewed mind of the Spirit. And in such we see the service of grace in that it reigns in righteousness and the Spirit is Life through righteousness, this gift we received according to grace.

These things we write that your joy may be complete.*

There is joy in fellowship. In context John writes of Jesus being the word of Life and as Peter confessed his words exist eternal Life. Jesus was in the beginning who created and creates all things thus in him we are a new creation experiencing, knowing the Father and his love for us. As Paul writes the greatest testimony is of Spirit, testifying that we know God. The love of God is poured out into our hearts. God is love and God is holy, thus love is holy and if I am holy I would love my brother. Truth in love is to be like Him, to follow his words, to walk like he walked. This is a process of maturity, a child knows the Father, testimony of Spirit, and of blood, that his sins are forgiven; grace and peace. A young person has testimony of these plus water, in that he purifies or has presented the body a living sacrificed, in such we see he overcomes through abiding in the words of Jesus, and the mature perseveres continuing to walk with Jesus. There is love, peace, and joy in abiding in Jesus and there is fellowship. If we have fellowship with the Son we have fellowship with the Father, and we are cleansed from all sin, surely our joy is complete.

Great Is Your Faithfulness 

Popular (last 30 days)

Blessed Are The Forgiven

Blessed! the one whose lawless deeds are forgiven and the one whose sins are covered over, blessed is the man whom sin, the Lord will not consider . * Paul writes David foresaw and spoke " blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered . *  Blessed, is the one whom sin is not considered, this word considered  means "to credit, count, reckon, to set down as a matter of account; regard, think, consider." This blessing comes through faith and according to grace, " also David speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God considers righteousness apart from works ." *  The word for  lawless deeds speaks of the violation of the Law and the word for sin  speaks of missing the mark of God's righteousness. Blessed are those who (by faith in Christ according to grace) have been forgiven. In Him receiving the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of trespasses according to the riches of His grace . * This fundamental ...
Read more

Spirit of Life

" Indeed, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus liberates from the law of sin and death ." 1 This word for liberates "I free, set free, liberate" is from a root word meaning free, exempt, not bound by an obligation. As partakers of God's divine nature, being born of Spirit, we are no longer obligated to the sinful nature but to righteousness which is God's nature. When we believe we receive the Spirit of promise, a guarantee of our inheritance, a great testimony that we are His children, it is a Spirit of Life. " Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." 24 The Son came not to condemn the world but to save it. "One trespass   led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. " 6 " He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and wa...
Read more

All Who Are Thirsty

“ Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;  and he who has no money,  come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk  without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,  and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,  and delight yourselves in rich food. .." (Isaiah 55). " Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price ." Buy is defined as to acquire the ownership of by giving an accepted price or consideration therefore; to accept or believe as true .[ 1 ] When we buy something we consider the price that we must pay, we accept this and purchase the thing we have considered worthy of the sacrifice we make in payment. W e can not buy, with money or price, redemption from t his tragic flaw we are born into. However Jesus paid the price for us, so we buy or accept through consideration, the Greek word is  logizomai.[ 2] ...
Read more

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...
Read more

Lord, Stand By Me

"... present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness ." 1 This word for present means "I bring, present, come up to and stand by," it is parístēmi (from pará, "from close-beside" and hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, stand close beside, i.e. ready to present (exhibit). I pray Lord stand by me which expresses that I put my trust in Him, or I come up to and stand by Him. We use phrases like surrendering or bowing at the cross to explain such a moment, surely it is a coming to the end of ourselves and it is desirable that I find His will acceptable, but it is important to understand that it is about trust, not my will power, the key is that it is in Christ. The terminology the scriptures use is "present yourselves to God," or come up to and stand by and walk with Him. "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this...
Read more

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity Introduction The theological concept of surrender—or giving control to God—occupies a prominent place in the modern Christian consciousness. From pulpits, in devotional material, songs, and across a multitude of Christian traditions, believers are often exhorted to “surrender their lives to Christ,” to “give up control." This is often expressed as a “come to the end of yourselves,” experience. These exhortations, frequently couched in emotive and urgent language, invite believers to a posture of yielding, releasing, and letting go. Yet, when this language is measured against the actual vocabulary, teachings, and emphases of the Greek New Testament, important questions emerge:  How biblically grounded are the concepts of “surrender” and “giving control”? Does such language reflect the spiritual vision of the earliest Christian church and scripture, or...
Read more

Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching

  Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching Introduction: The Question of the Mosaic Law and Christian Identity One of the most significant theological debates and practical challenges for the early church was the place of the Mosaic Law in the life of believers in Jesus Christ. This question remains alive today, particularly in communities and churches that quote the Old Testament as if its legal prescriptions still directly obligate Christians. The apostolic writings, especially those of Paul, provide the primary lens through which the New Testament resolves this matter. Paul’s letters—rich in both theological reflection and ecclesiastical urgency—not only confront false teaching but chart the path of new covenant living by the Holy Spirit.  This essay seeks to offer a doctrinal synthesis on why believers are no longer “under the Mosaic Law,” supported by original-language insights, harmonized scripture references, and commentar...
Read more

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law: A Detailed Study Rooted in Ephesians 2:11–22 Introduction The theme of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, shaping God’s relationship with humanity from creation through redemption. The new covenant is called by Paul a ministry of reconciliation, righteousness, and of the Spirit. The shift from the old Mosaic covenant—rooted in the Law given to Israel at Sinai—to the new covenant of grace established in Christ, fundamentally redefines how people approach God, community, and salvation. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, particularly 2:11–22, provides a remarkably clear and rich theological exposition of this transition, addressing not only the spiritual implications for Jews and Gentiles but also the very nature of the church as God’s new creation. This report develops an in-depth, paragraph-driven theological comparison between the old and new covenants, structured around nine key themes de...
Read more

Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

  Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination 📖 Introduction The phrase “called according to His purpose” appears in Romans 8:28 (ESV), a foundational verse that reads: “And we know that for those loved of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This statement gives comfort and more—it is a declaration about identity, destiny, and divine intent. To be “called according to His purpose” means participating in God’s sovereign, redemptive plan. God's plan is being manifested through the church through the "new covenant in his blood" as it was established by the death of Jesus. The calling is not arbitrary or based on human merit, but is rooted in God’s purpose, eternal will and love. 🔍 The Nature of the Calling In Scripture, God's calling is effectual—that is, it accomplishes what He intends. Paul writes: "...those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified,...
Read more

Need of Endurance

There's no space that His love can't reach There's no place where we can't' find peace There's no end to amazing grace Take me in with Your arms spread wide Take me in like an orphan child Never let go, Never leave my side I am,  Holding on to You... In the middle of the storm I am holding on,  I am  Love like this, Oh my God to find I am overwhelmed, With a joy divine Love like this sets our hearts on fire This is my resurrection song This is my hallelujah come This is why it's to You I run. 1 He is holding on to you, through the middle of the storm, the disease, sickness, pain, tears, heartache, desires, and addictions... I Am is holding on to you. Let us exult, dance in our tribulations knowing that in our suffering we partake of His. Knowing also that suffering produces patience and patience produces endurance and endurance produces strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ...
Read more