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joy in the gospel

1 John 1:1-4 (JDV)

1 John 1:1 The reality that was from the beginning, that we have heard, that we have seen with our eyes, that we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life —
1 John 1:2 and that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the permanent life that was with the Father and was revealed to us —
1 John 1:3 that we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also participate with us; and we really participate with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

joy in the gospel

John’s joy is the reality of the gospel of grace through Jesus Christ. But it is more than a doctrine he believes. It is a person he has met. He has heard, seen, observed and touched this person. He can never be persuaded to reject Jesus. Do do so would be to deny his own experience. His joy is made more complete by sharing what he knows.

He also knows that Jesus is the possessor and the grantor of permanent life. His very existence is a promise from God of immortality for his followers. When John and the other apostles saw Jesus, they recognized that he had been with the Father, and that he was a revelation from the Father. But what was that revelation? It was that we can also be more than we are. Our weak temporary lives can be changed and we can participate with the Father and the Son. We can also have permanent life. His joy is made more complete by sharing that good news.

So, John writes. He must write because he must get the gospel’s message out. He feels compassion for those who do not yet know the good news. But he is motivated by more than pity. He writes because sharing the gospel makes him happy. It completes his joy. It is the joy of passing on the most essential truths ever revealed to humanity. It is the joy of inviting others to experience the person of Christ.