“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (I John 1:3)
The word, “fellowship,” is used seventeen times in the Bible. It is found fifteen times in the New Testament. It comes from the word, “koinonia,” in the original language. It means, “to share together,” or, “communion.” It could be used when two people are simultaneously sharing the same milkshake. It is what we have nearly every Sunday when fourteen family members gather around our dining room table to share a meal. Fellowship is what believers have when we gather together to praise the Lord in song, prayer, preaching and testimony.
John is declaring Jesus to his readers so that they may have fellowship or communion with other believers. John says our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
The word, “relationship,” is never used in the Bible. However, a relationship is established between God and man when we accept Christ as our Savior. Galatians 3:26 declares that we become children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. It is like the relationship we have with our parents. Our disobedience may cause us to break fellowship but the relationship never changes. We have been “born again.”
A believer cannot strengthen his “relationship” with the Father. We have a never ending parent/child relationship. As we pray, read His word, walk with Him, obey His commands and serve Him we have fellowship with Him and with other believers.
Dear Reader, We'll continue on this topic in tomorrow's post. Please join us.
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