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1 John 1 Top down purpose of life
1. 1 John 1 Top down purpose of life
1 John 1:3 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. [kjv]
ο εωρακαμεν και ακηκοαμεν απαγγελλομεν και υμιν ινα και υμεις κοινωνιαν εχητε μεθ ημων και η κοινωνια δε η ημετερα μετα του πατρος και μετα του υιου αυτου ιησου χριστου [gnt]
What is the purpose of life? In an explanation that is similar to that used by computer scientists, John, in 1 John 1:1-10, provides a top-down backward-chaining step-by-step line of reasoning that reaches the following conclusion.
The pre-requisites are important and need to be taken into consideration.
2. Erwin Schrödinger
The famous Austrian quantum physicist Erwin Schrödinger wrote a book entitled "
What is Life?". In that book, he makes interesting conjectures about life and how it works. About 10 years later, in 1953, Watson and Crick discovered
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and the DNA code of life. That code followed many of the rules that Schrödinger had predicted.
Schrödinger is known for his famous equation of wave mechanics, the Schrödinger equation. Is life more than DNA and chemicals and random change in nature?
3. George Harrison: What is life?
George Harrison (British singer-songwriter and performer) wrote (and performed) the song "
What is Life?" in 1971. It was part of the album "
All things must pass".
The album included the number-one hit single "
My sweet Lord".
Some churches actually sang or played this song which had to do with Eastern Mysticism. The song was involved in a legal battle over copyright infringement from the 1963 Chiffons hit song "
He's so fine". Harrison lost the case. The judge ruled he had copied "
subconsciously".
4. John
Have you ever read 1 John 1:1-10 (the complete chapter)?
It can be confusing. I have heard many pastors try to explain it in bits and pieces.
John often uses a top-down backward-chaining line of reasoning that is used by computer scientists.
5. Stair analogy
A stair analogy can be used to help understand
top-down design and
bottom-up implementation.
The goal is the top of the stairs.
The start is the bottom of the stairs.
Implementation:
Do it: 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 (same either way)
Design: When it works,
top-down tends to be
better.
Think bottom-up: 1 then 2 then 3 then 4 then 5 (start to goal)
Think top-down: 5 if 4 if 3 if 2 if 1 (goal to start)
The bottom-up, forward chaining is used by most people. But not by John. He uses top-down, backward-chaining reasoning (as in the introduction to the book of John).
6. Divide and conquer: Top-down and bottom-up
1 Start design at goal
2 Break design goal into parts
3 Break design parts into subparts
4 Break design subparts into more parts
5 Implement the parts with unit tests
6 Combine the parts up the tree - unit tests
7 Combine the parts up the tree - unit tests
8 To original goal is achieved - unit tests
A divide and conquer problem solving method starts with a goal.
The problem is broken down in a top-down or backward-chaining manner as part of the solution design.
The solution is implemented in a bottom-up or forward-chaining manner as part of the solution implementation.
At each point in the implementation, unit testing is added for each part and abstractions made as needed.
7. Tree structures
1 Top down
2 Backward chaining
3 Top down - flipped
4 Backward chaining - flipped
There are various names for a top-down backward-chaining divide and conquer problem solving strategy.
Topologically they are all the same since one can rotate and change the length of the branches as desired and it is the same tree.
8. Linear sequences
1 Top down
2 Backward chaining
3 Top down - flipped
4 Backward chaining - flipped
Not all
trees have two or more branches. Some problems are best split into just one other part. Such a sequence is called a serial sequence. A tree-structure is needed by many problems in computer science. Most people will only need to understand the linear sequence.
And that top-down or bottom-up sequence can be viewed in any direction.
9. 1 John 1 Overview
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1 then 2 then 3 then ... (bottom-up forward chaining, for 1 John 1, does not make sense to most people)
1 if 2 if 3 if ... (top-down backward-chaining, is how 1 John 1 was written)
10 then 9 then 8 then ... (reverse order, makes more sense to most people for 1 John 1)
Let us now investigate in more detail.
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10. 1 John 1 Simplified
1. That which was from the beginning
2. For the life was manifested
3. that ye also may have fellowship with us
4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full
5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7. 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.
8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
11. Bottom-up and forward chaining logic
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Most people are comfortable with bottom-up forward chaining logic that goes forward from the starting point to the goal.
So the verse order of 1 John 1:5-10 does not make a lot of sense to most people.
That is, "what next", "what next", etc.
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12. Top-down and backward-chaining logic
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Computer scientists are comfortable with top-down backward-chaining logic that goes backward from the goal to the starting point. The "if" indicates a backward-chaining approach.
John often writes like a modern computer scientist. To better understand 1 John 1:5-10, reverse the verses to get a bottom-up forward-chaining logic.
That is, read the verses from end to beginning and see where one can pick up (or deviate from) the chain of logic.
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13. Chapter and verse divisions
Chapter divisions were added (and chapters numbered) in the Middle Ages in the 13th century. Later, in 1551, in the Middle Ages, verse divisions were added (and verses numbered).
It is best to always check surrounding verses and, when appropriate, verses in the previous or next chapter, to see if those verses have important meaning for the context.
14. Chapters and verses
In this case, we should start at 1 John 2:1 as an introduction and work backwards to see the bottom-up line of reasoning which goes to the final goal.
Note: It is common for those accustomed to bottom-up forward-chaining reasoning to not see the logical break in reasoning.
15. 1 John 2:1
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: [kjv]
τεκνια μου ταυτα γραφω υμιν ινα μη αμαρτητε και εαν τις αμαρτη παρακλητον εχομεν προς τον πατερα ιησουν χριστον δικαιον [gnt]
John is here using the word for child as a created being of God. The "
little" is inferred from the meaning of the Greek word and does not appear explicitly in the Greek.
The things written to them are what precedes this verse (top-down) as well as what follows (bottom-up).
16. 1 John 2:1
KJV: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Greek: τεκνια μου ταυτα γραφω υμιν ινα μη αμαρτητε και εαν τις αμαρτη παρακλητον εχομεν προς τον πατερα ιησουν χριστον δικαιον
Latin: filioli mei haec scribo vobis ut non peccetis sed et si quis peccaverit advocatum habemus apud Patrem Iesum Christum iustum
Geneva: My little children, these things write I vnto you, that ye sinne not: and if any man sinne, wee haue an Aduocate with the Father, Iesus Christ, the Iust.
Luther: Meine Kindlein, solches schreibe ich euch, auf daß ihr nicht sündiget. Und ob jemand sündiget, so haben wir einen Fürsprecher bei dem Vater, Jesum Christum, der gerecht ist.
Spanish: Hijitos míos, estas cosas os escribo para que no pequéis; y si alguno hubiere pecado, abogado tenemos para con el Padre, a Jesucristo el justo.
17. Child
There are several ancient Greek words for child.
"τέκνον" ≈ "child" and comes from the root of building or making something. In this case, a child as a created being from God.
"παῖς" ≈ "child, servant" is one who is to learn from and follow the example of a parent (or teacher or master).
"παιδίον" ≈ "small child" of any age up to about 12 (due to the diminutive suffix).
Jesus and John and Paul (and others) will often use the word for "
child" when referring to a believer (of any age).
Another ancient Greek word is
"βρέφος" ≈ "unborn baby, baby, infant".
18. Line of reasoning
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Let us now follow the line of reasoning in a bottom-up forward-chaining manner by reading and studying verses in reverse order.
At each step, if we cannot complete that step we cannot proceed, logically or realistically, to the goal.
Classic Monopoly game: Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.
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19. Romans 3:23 All have sinned
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
παντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
If sinners were not allowed in church, there would be no one allowed in church.
The Greek here for
"all" is
plural which means there may be
exceptions. Who might be an exception?
The ancient Greek word
"ἁμαρτία" ≈ "error, mistake, fault, sin" as in, literally,
"not a witness". The Greek for
"glory" is that of
"opinion". Anything that is
"not a witness" for God
"falls short" or
"lags behind" of God's
"opinion" or
"expectation".
In logical reasoning, one should not universally quantify something without specifying the domain to which it applies and how it applies. The "
for all" would appear to refer to "
men" who are not "
God" (as in "
Jesus").
Paraphrase: For all have not been a (good) witness (of God) and not approached the opinion of God
20. Romans 3:23 Glory of God
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
παντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
Do we need to come up to the
"glory" of God? Perhaps a pastor could help us with that seemingly unattainable quest.
"υστερούντα" ≈ "lag behind, be late".
"δόξα" ≈ "opinion, expectation".
Paraphrase: All (with possible exceptions) have not been a (good) witness (for God) and have lagged behind the opinion/expectation of God.
It appears we do not have to reach the level of God. God has an
expectation/opinion of where we should be and we are
lagging behind that
expectation/opinion. This appears to be in line with Eastern Orthodox thought.
21. All have sinned
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1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. [kjv]
εαν ειπωμεν οτι ουχ ημαρτηκαμεν ψευστην ποιουμεν αυτον και ο λογος αυτου ουκ εστιν εν ημιν [gnt]
Next step: We need to acknowledge that we have sinned. All have sinned. Paul says this in Romans 3:23.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
παντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
omnes enim peccaverunt … egent gloriam … [v]
Have you met people in church who deny this? There are some (people and churches) that claim that everyone is good. Some do not like you to bring up exceptions.
All have sinned. If we deny this, do not proceed to the next (previous) verse (top-down).
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22. 1 John 1:10
KJV: If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Greek: εαν ειπωμεν οτι ουχ ημαρτηκαμεν ψευστην ποιουμεν αυτον και ο λογος αυτου ουκ εστιν εν ημιν
23. Good and bad
There are some (people and churches) that claim that everyone is good. Some do not like you to bring up exceptions. Jesus clarifies this.
Luke 18:18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [kjv]
και επηρωτησεν τις αυτον αρχων λεγων διδασκαλε αγαθε τι ποιησας ζωην αιωνιον κληρονομησω [gnt]
18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. [kjv]
ειπεν δε αυτω ο ιησους τι με λεγεις αγαθον ουδεις αγαθος ει μη εις ο θεος [gnt]
Jesus leaves open the case that if he is God, then he is good. He is relating to humanity on their level.
Aristotle says that the word "
good" has many meanings.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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24. Luke 18:18
KJV: And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Greek: και επηρωτησεν τις αυτον αρχων λεγων διδασκαλε αγαθε τι ποιησας ζωην αιωνιον κληρονομησω
25. Luke 18:19
KJV: And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
Greek: ειπεν δε αυτω ο ιησους τι με λεγεις αγαθον ουδεις αγαθος ει μη εις ο θεος
26. Confession
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 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [kjv]
εαν ομολογωμεν τας αμαρτιας ημων πιστος εστιν και δικαιος ινα αφη ημιν τας αμαρτιας και καθαριση ημας απο πασης αδικιας [gnt]
Next step: We must acknowledge that we have sinned.
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27. Every tongue shall confess
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [kjv]
και πασα γλωσσα εξομολογησηται οτι κυριος ιησους χριστος εις δοξαν θεου πατρος [gnt]
Every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord. This is a mental and not a physical phenomena. Paul adds the Greek prefix for "
ex" as in "
out of" as in "
completely".
The ancient Greek word
"ὁμολογέω" ≈ "agree" and means, literally, "
same word" in the sense of "
same reasoning" or "
same explanation".
Since words can be deceptive, one should agree on the
reasoning of the
meanings of the important things instead of agreeing on
words - if the words are at all ambiguous.
28. 1 John 1:9
KJV: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Greek: εαν ομολογωμεν τας αμαρτιας ημων πιστος εστιν και δικαιος ινα αφη ημιν τας αμαρτιας και καθαριση ημας απο πασης αδικιας
29. Sin remains
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1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [kjv]
εαν ειπωμεν οτι αμαρτιαν ουκ εχομεν εαυτους πλανωμεν και η αληθεια ουκ εστιν εν ημιν [gnt]
Even after confession and cleansing, we will still have sin enter our lives - from external sources and from internal sources.
We cannot be sin-less, but we should sin less.
The ancient Greek word "πλάνη" ≈ "wandering, roaming" and, figuratively, "going astray" or "in error".
The English word "planet" comes from this Greek word as a shortened form of "wandering star" since planets were considered wandering stars.
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30. 1 John 1:8
KJV: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Greek: εαν ειπωμεν οτι αμαρτιαν ουκ εχομεν εαυτους πλανωμεν και η αληθεια ουκ εστιν εν ημιν
Latin: si dixerimus quoniam peccatum non habemus ipsi nos seducimus et veritas in nobis non est
31. Walk in the light
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1 John 1:7 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. [kjv]
εαν δε εν τω φωτι περιπατωμεν ως αυτος εστιν εν τω φωτι κοινωνιαν εχομεν μετ αλληλων και το αιμα ιησου του υιου αυτου καθαριζει ημας απο πασης αμαρτιας [gnt]
We should continue to walk in the "light" as we enjoy "fellowship" with one another.
Some modern churches take "Jesus" and/or the "blood" out of their church services and church music.
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32. 1 John 1:7
KJV: 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.
Greek: εαν δε εν τω φωτι περιπατωμεν ως αυτος εστιν εν τω φωτι κοινωνιαν εχομεν μετ αλληλων και το αιμα ιησου χριστου του υιου αυτου καθαριζει ημας απο πασης αμαρτιας
33. Fellowship
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1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [kjv]
εαν ειπωμεν οτι κοινωνιαν εχομεν μετ αυτου και εν τω σκοτει περιπατωμεν ψευδομεθα και ου ποιουμεν την αληθειαν [gnt]
That "fellowship" can be just with other believers and not with Him.
This is done by continuing to walk in darkness.
Discuss: Can you have true fellowship with non-believers?
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34. 1 John 1:6
KJV: If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Greek: εαν ειπωμεν οτι κοινωνιαν εχομεν μετ αυτου και εν τω σκοτει περιπατωμεν ψευδομεθα και ου ποιουμεν την αληθειαν
35. Let Jesus in
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. [kjv]
ιδου εστηκα επι την θυραν και κρουω εαν τις ακουση της φωνης μου και ανοιξη την θυραν εισελευσομαι προς αυτον και δειπνησω μετ αυτου και αυτος μετ εμου [gnt]
This incomplete fellowship can be in a church that acts as a social club and does not let in the real Jesus.
This can happen if we only love our neighbor without loving God and the rules of God. The broken rules then constitute sin and break the chain to true fellowship.
In Revelation 3:20 where Jesus is at the door of a church and they will not let him in. The
church door is closed.
36. Revelation 3:20
KJV: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Greek: ιδου εστηκα επι την θυραν και κρουω εαν τις ακουση της φωνης μου και ανοιξη την θυραν εισελευσομαι προς αυτον και δειπνησω μετ αυτου και αυτος μετ εμου
37. Darkness and light
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1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. [kjv]
και εστιν αυτη η αγγελια ην ακηκοαμεν απ αυτου και αναγγελλομεν υμιν οτι ο θεος φως εστιν και σκοτια ουκ εστιν εν αυτω ουδεμια [gnt]
If we say we have fellowship walk in the darkness (previous verse) then we need to know that God is light (with no darkness).
The ancient Greek word "φωνή" ≈ "voice, sound" comes from the ancient Greek word "φως" ≈ "light" and the ancient Greek word "νους" ≈ "mind". That is, a "sound" is "light" into the "mind".
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38. 1 John 1:5
KJV: This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Greek: και αυτη εστιν αυτη η επαγγελια αγγελια ην ακηκοαμεν απ αυτου και αναγγελλομεν υμιν οτι ο θεος φως εστιν και σκοτια εν αυτω ουκ εστιν εν αυτω ουδεμια
39. The favor of joy
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1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. [kjv]
και ταυτα γραφομεν ημεις ινα η χαρα ημων η πεπληρωμενη [gnt]
This progression of events by John in 1 John 1 is written in a top-down manner. Thus, the "joy" is listed near the beginning of the written work but near the end of a progression of steps one must take.
This is not than your "joy may be full" but that your "favor may be full", the "favor" provided by God.
The Greek word often translated as "joy" means "favor". In context, there may or may not be "joy" in the modern English sense of "bliss".
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40. 1 John 1:4
KJV: And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Greek: και ταυτα γραφομεν υμιν ημεις ινα η χαρα ημων η πεπληρωμενη
41. Top down joy
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1 John 1:3 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. [kjv]
ο εωρακαμεν και ακηκοαμεν απαγγελλομεν και υμιν ινα και υμεις κοινωνιαν εχητε μεθ ημων και η κοινωνια δε η ημετερα μετα του πατρος και μετα του υιου αυτου ιησου χριστου [gnt]
We now reach the ultimate (top-down backward-chaining) goal.
For "joy" to be full, all the requirements of the previous verses in the chain need to be satisfied.
If all the previous prerequisites have been met, we can now have fellowship with other believers and with the Father and the Son.
The ancient Greek word "κοινωνία" ≈ "community, fellowship".
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42. 1 John 1:3
KJV: 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.
Greek: ο εωρακαμεν και ακηκοαμεν απαγγελλομεν και υμιν ινα και υμεις κοινωνιαν εχητε μεθ ημων και η κοινωνια δε η ημετερα μετα του πατρος και μετα του υιου αυτου ιησου χριστου
43. John 1 Summary
10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
7. 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.
6. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full
3. that ye also may have fellowship with us
2. For the life was manifested
1. That which was from the beginning
Here then is 1 John 1 summary of verses 1 to 10, in reverse order that shows the path from the starting point to the goal.
44. Continuing
| 10 | then |
| 9 | then |
| 8 | then |
| 7 | then |
| 6 | then |
| 5 | then |
| 4 | then |
| 3 | then |
| 2 | then |
| 1 | |
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1 John 1:2 (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; ) [kjv]
και η ζωη εφανερωθη και εωρακαμεν και μαρτυρουμεν και απαγγελλομεν υμιν την ζωην την αιωνιον ητις ην προς τον πατερα και εφανερωθη ημιν [gnt]
To verify the claims, John continues towards the overall starting point of God and the creation.
First we have Jesus as the Son of God entering creation to show us the path.
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45. 1 John 1:2
KJV: (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; )
Greek: και η ζωη εφανερωθη και εωρακαμεν και μαρτυρουμεν και απαγγελλομεν υμιν την ζωην την αιωνιον ητις ην προς τον πατερα και εφανερωθη ημιν
46. 1 John 1:1 Goal
| 10 | then |
| 9 | then |
| 8 | then |
| 7 | then |
| 6 | then |
| 5 | then |
| 4 | then |
| 3 | then |
| 2 | then |
| 1 | |
|
1 John 1:1 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; [kjv]
ο ην απ αρχης ο ακηκοαμεν ο εωρακαμεν τοις οφθαλμοις ημων ο εθεασαμεθα και αι χειρες ημων εψηλαφησαν περι του λογου της ζωης [gnt]
Then John continues to the overall starting point of God and the creation.
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47. 1 John 1:1
KJV: 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;
Greek: ο ην απ αρχης ο ακηκοαμεν ο εωρακαμεν τοις οφθαλμοις ημων ο εθεασαμεθα και αι χειρες ημων εψηλαφησαν περι του λογου της ζωης
48. Summary: Goal of fellowship
| 1 | then |
| 2 | then |
| 3 | then |
| 4 | then |
| 5 | then |
| 6 | then |
| 7 | then |
| 8 | then |
| 9 | then |
| 10 | |
|
| 1 | if |
| 2 | if |
| 3 | if |
| 4 | if |
| 5 | if |
| 6 | if |
| 7 | if |
| 8 | if |
| 9 | if |
| 10 | |
|
| 10 | then |
| 9 | then |
| 8 | then |
| 7 | then |
| 6 | then |
| 5 | then |
| 4 | then |
| 3 | then |
| 2 | then |
| 1 | |
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1 then 2 then 3 then ... (bottom-up forward chaining, for 1 John 1, does not make sense to most people)
1 if 2 if 3 if ... (top-down backward-chaining, is how 1 John 1 was written)
10 then 9 then 8 then ... (reverse order, makes more sense to most people for 1 John 1)
One can see that the goal is that of fellowship with other believers and with God and with Jesus. Along that path, we see that loving God and not sinning is a prerequisite for such fellowship. That is, one must both love God and love one's neighbor.
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49. Continuing
To continue, or see more on the overall big picture, one should look at the beginning of the Gospel of John in a top-down backward chaining manner.
50. End of page
