1 John Chapter 1 (Bible Study)

God is Light and Fellowship with Him through Confession of Sin.
The text is a detailed exposition of 1 John 1:1-10, emphasizing the theme "God is light" and how believers, referred to as "little children," can have fellowship with God. It addresses the early heresy of Gnosticism, affirming the true humanity and deity of Jesus Christ, witnessed by the apostle John through hearing, seeing, and touching Him. The text explains three "beginnings": the creation of the universe, the eternal existence of the Word (Jesus), and His incarnation at Bethlehem. Fellowship with God is possible through sharing the things of Christ, not merely social interaction. God is described as pure light—holy, self-revealing, and guiding—contrasted with human sinfulness. The text rejects two false methods of bridging the gap between sinful man and holy God: lowering God to man's level (claiming fellowship while living in sin) and raising man to God's level (claiming sinless perfection). The only true way is confession of sin, which leads to forgiveness and cleansing by Jesus' blood, restoring fellowship with God. The text urges believers to confess sins honestly to maintain fellowship and warns against self-deception about sin.