Stephan Hoffman

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. 1 John 1:1

Read 1 John 1:1-10

Jesus Christ is God himself who became human and came to live on this mortal earth. This is the message that John wanted to get across to people who were struggling to accept it. The first people who read this theological tract were probably influenced by false prophets who claimed that Jesus was not really human, but God in a spiritual body. They could not comprehend that God became man and entered this broken world. This delusion was later described as early Christian Gnosticism.

John emphasises that the Word of life which was revealed to him from the beginning, was revealed in an audible, visual and tactile (empirical) manner. This revelation and personal encounter with the source of all light and life itself, Jesus Christ, leaves you with a choice. You can accept him and live in communion with him, or you can live in darkness. It does not help to know Jesus Christ and even confess that you believe in him, if your earthly life is still in darkness. Just as Jesus was truly human and truly suffered on the cross, and truly rose from the dead, so must your life be truly lived in communion with him.

The first step in this relationship with Jesus Christ is to be honest about who he is and honestly acknowledge who you are. When you admit that you are a sinner in need of God's grace, the good news for you is that, "he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Today, why not make sure that you are honest with yourself and with God? Let us recognise that we are dependent on his grace. Let us confess our sins and receive this wonderful promise that we will be cleansed. This Almighty God who created all things, loves you infinitely and wants you to live in the light of his presence. You can also experience the joy of living in community with God and know you are forgiven!

Prayer: O source of all light and life, eternal God and Creator, I thank you that you are not far from me. Thank you that Jesus Christ truly became man and set me free from my sins on the cross of Calvary. Thank you that light conquered darkness and death, and that I can look forward to eternal life with you, Lord. I am tainted by sin and can never earn your grace, but I am so grateful that you forgive me and cleanse me. Please help me to live every day in communion with you. Amen.