The Son of God

The Apostle John—son of Zebedee, brother of James, and one of the "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17)—was among the three disciples closest to Jesus. Over sixty years after Christ's ascension, as the last surviving Apostle, he vividly recounted his first-hand experiences:

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—1 John 1:1.

Who is the Son of God?

John reminds us of a historical fact: the Son of God came in the flesh. Born of the virgin Mary, Jesus grew up like any ordinary human being—studying the Scriptures, mastering carpentry, and supporting His family. Yet unlike any other, He fulfilled God's Law completely, endured every trial and temptation without sin, and ultimately took upon Himself the judgment and wrath of God for our sake.
In the Old Testament, prophets and judges received messages from God and proclaimed His word. But Jesus was greater than all of them—He Himself was the very Word (Logos) from God to humankind.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."—John 1:1.

Jesus is the unique, one and only Son of God, co-equal with the Father in essence. His literal humanity and His identity as the Son of God are non-negotiable facts of the Gospel.

Fellowship in Eternal Life

John proclaims Jesus as the Logos of life and the eternal Life itself. When we embrace this truth, we enter into koinonia—fellowship; a sharing in common—with all believers and with the Father and His Son (1 John 1:3). This koinonia is a fellowship in eternal life. As Jesus said,

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.—John 17:3

Eternal life is not merely endless existence. It is knowing God. And this fellowship produces complete joy: "And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete." (1 John 1:4).

Living it Out

What does this mean for us practically? Here are three ways we can respond:

1. Preserve the unity that Christ established in the church. We are called to bear with one another "with all humility and gentleness, with patience" (Ephesians 4:2). Unity is not something we create—it is something Christ has already established, and we must guard it.
2. Preach the gospel strategically with accuracy. Paul instructed Titus to "Teach what accords with sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). We must be intentional and faithful in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel.
3. Actively participate in training and discipling other members. The Christian life is not passive. Titus 3:1 reminds us to be "ready for every good work." We are called to invest in one another, building up the body of Christ through intentional discipleship.
4. As we reflect on these truths, consider reading all five chapters of 1 John. May we treasure the reality of the Son of God who came in the flesh for us—and may our joy be complete.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14

Speaker: Bro. Andrew Gan