1 John 1:1-4 (NIV)
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched–this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
4 We write this to make our joy complete.
Let us not forget that John the Apostle, actually SAW, SPOKE WITH, AND TOUCHED JESUS. Some people falsely claim that the writers of the Bible never actually saw or spoke with Jesus. Non-believers would like to believe that was true. However, you and I know differently. We know the truth.
In the above passage, when John says “the life appeared” he is referring to Jesus Christ. Isn’t it powerful to have a first hand account of the teachings of Jesus…an eye witness to his ministry in this world?
So what do we do with this information? How are we to respond? My answer is “with confidence and grace”. When confronted or challenged by a non-believer…speak the truth. The Bible is the truth.
My second answer is…”by changing your life”. Think about it. If you truly believed that what the Bible teaches is 100% true…how would you think and how would you treat others? Would you start forgiving others (quickly)…as the Bible commands? Would you LOVE others as John suggests? Would you be slow to become angry as instructed in James 1:19?
It is my prayer that we all LIVE a life inspired by the truth of God’s word.
(for more information on 1 John, check out our 5 week, 1 John bible study.)