1 John 1

Word of Life

Word of life — Christ, the living message of God who gives life

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 1 John 1:1

John's witness is physical: he heard, saw and touched Jesus, the Word who existed from the beginning. Jesus was real flesh and bone, not an idea.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in John 1:1 — 'In the beginning was the Word'
• the same title in John 1:14 — 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us'
• alludes to Luke 24:39 — the risen Lord: 'handle me, and see'
• the same title in D&C 93:8 — 'he was the Word, even the messenger of salvation'

The Life, With the Father

Eternal life — a title of Christ as the source of life

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 1 John 1:2

Christ, 'the life', was with the Father before the world and then was revealed in the flesh, and the apostles bear witness of Him.

How we know: a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in John 1:4 — 'In him was life; and the life was the light of men'
• the same title in John 14:6 — 'I am the way, the truth, and the life'

His Son Jesus Christ

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3

The apostles' testimony invites us into fellowship with both the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, two distinct beings.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a Church study aid lists it

Cleansing Blood

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

When we walk in the light, the atoning blood of Jesus Christ washes away every sin.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Moses 6:59 — 'cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin'

Forgiveness

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us; that cleansing comes through the blood of His Son named just before (v. 7).