Fellowship in the Triune God
By James Nair, Chhattisgarh
“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” I Jn 1:3 )
It was an ardent desire in the heart of Our Lord before taking on the cruel cross, to intercede for His disciples. The central theme running throughout John 17 was unity among themselves (‘that they may be one’).
However, a closer ponder in His intercession reveals that the Saviour desired this unity to be achieved by abiding in the Father and the Son (‘they also may one in Us’, Jn 17:21). That is the strongest united entity that has ever been existing.
And we might as well understand that this unity among believers cannot be achieved without fellowship with and in the Triune God. John the Beloved translates this truth beautifully in his letter, in which we have important takeaways.
True Fellowship.
John invites the readers to enjoy a fellowship, something which he has seen, heard, and touched, a fellowship with the Father and His Son. The invitation is highlighted by the truthfulness of a divine fellowship. Only those who have this divine fellowship can enjoy a spiritual and fulfilling fellowship amongst the believers.
Fellowship with Triune God.
In the remaining passage that follows verse 3, it shows how important it is to have fellowship with the Father, the Son as well as the Holy Spirit. We may drive home the following truths from the above two passages:
(a) God is light. As His children, we must always walk in light, which we cannot because of our sinful nature. Thus, a fellowship with Father is achieved exclusively through the cleansing power of the blood of Christ.
(b) True, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins. But unless we walk in the light of God, we would not be reproved of our darkness (sins). Here comes the fellowship of the Holy Spirit vital, to point out our mistakes and plead for His forgiveness.
(c) Only two persons who agree among themselves can have fellowship (Amos 3:3). The Holy Spirit reveals to us of the deep things of God and the mind of God (1 Cor 2:10-12). Thus, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is constantly required for a believer to agree with God.
The fellowship with Father and Son is a virtuous cycle, and it cannot be without an abiding fellowship in the Spirit. An outcome of this fellowship is purity, which helps us walk in the light.
Another outcome what we gain is unity, A believer who hates his brother walks in darkness, or sins (1 Jn 2:9-11). One major cause of this hatred is disunity, and only a true abiding in the Triune God will help him understand the bond of unity and love his brother.
May we be filled in the Spirit, who teaches us the things of God, and may we be cleansed daily in the blood of Christ that we may always walk in light and love, and be in true fellowship with God and man. G&P
