When we were children, we often heard or read fairy tales. Stories that were fiction, but that sometimes conveyed a helpful truth or warning. Because of our distance in time from them, the life and ministry of Jesus can seem to some as if they are fables or legends.
The New Testament writers, however, were clear that this was not the case. Luke’s Gospel account came from eyewitnesses (Luke 1:2). Paul gives a list of those individuals and groups, including himself, who were eyewitnesses to the resurrected Lord (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). The writer of Hebrews affirms that the faith we received was from those who had heard the Lord personally (Hebrews 2:3). And most recently we have read Peter’s words, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16)
Now we see this in our prologue to 1 John. “That which was from the beginning.” This is not the beginning of Creation mentioned in John 1, but the beginning of the Incarnation. John’s use in his two books seems to point us to the two primary works of God – creation and redemption (the basis of human value, the beginning of the testaments, and worship in heaven).
He then presents a summary of his personal experience with the “Word of life,” Jesus Christ.
As we consider the significance of personal, eyewitness experience with Christ, it might be helpful to draw our attention parenthetically to two great truths about God that are relevant. Transcendence and Immanence. The transcendence of God means that God is exalted over all in His authority over creation. He is called “exalted,” “the most high,” “in the heavens above,” and numerous other descriptors of His transcendence. The immanence of God means that He is present in His creation, particularly with His people, in a personal, covenantal way.
Simply put, God is transcendent or exalted above us. And, God is immanent or present with us. Jesus is Immanuel. God (transcendence) with us (immanence). God (His deity) with us (His humanity). Another way to say it is, In His transcendence, He is above us, in His immanence He is with us.
The truth of His immanence through His humanity is one of the key issues that John was addressing with those who were departing from the truth. That’s why he highlights his personal eyewitness experience with the humanness of Jesus in this introduction. We saw Him with our eyes. We looked upon Him. We touched Him (He was not merely spirit appearing to be flesh). We have seen and heard.
Apart from the doctrinal implications of this truth, what a great reminder that we too can experience God in a real personal way. The God who wrestled with Jacob, walked with three men in the fire, was born in a manger, and ate breakfast with His disciples, walks with us. Our knowledge of God is more than theoretical, it is experiential. Our walk with Christ is more than devotional, it is personal. Our worship of God is more than form, it is living.
This means that we can experience God in a real, personal way. He is not a God far off alone, He is a God that is near. Our knowledge of God is more than theoretical, it is experiential. Our walk with Christ is more than devotional, it is personal. Our worship of God is more than form, it is a living worship.
God chooses to engage us where we are. He is vastly superior to us, yet He condescends to men of low estate. In His grace, He meets us where we are. The God who fellowshipped daily with Adam and Eve, wrestled with Jacob, spoke to Moses from the bush, joined the three men in the fire, was born in a manger, ate breakfast with His disciples, welcomed Stephen into Heaven, and visited John on Patmos will walk with you!
Nephos 