What does "called into fellowship" mean for our relationship with Jesus Christ?

Verse in View

“God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)

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The Divine Call: God’s Initiative

• “Called” is not an invitation we generated; it originates with God Himself.

• Romans 8:30 shows the sequence: “Those He predestined He also called.” The call is effectual—He brings to life what He commands.

• Because the Caller is “faithful,” the relationship rests on His trustworthiness, not on our fluctuating emotions.

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Fellowship Defined: “Koinonia” in Real Life

• The Greek koinonia means sharing, partnership, communion.

• 1 John 1:3: “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” What Paul states, John amplifies.

• This is not merely friendly association; it is a life‐bond where:

– We share in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

– We share in His sufferings (Philippians 3:10).

– We share in His glory (Romans 8:17).

• Union, not just proximity—like branches vitally joined to the Vine (John 15:4-5).

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What Fellowship With Jesus Means Today

1. Personal Access

– Hebrews 4:16: we “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” Fellowship removes barriers.

2. Shared Identity

– Hebrews 2:11: “Both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family.”

3. Constant Presence

– Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always.” Fellowship is ongoing, not episodic.

4. Transforming Power

– 2 Peter 1:4: we become “partakers of the divine nature,” escaping worldly corruption.

5. Secure Hope

– John 10:28-29: no one snatches His sheep from His hand; the faithfulness of God undergirds the fellowship.

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Practical Ways to Walk in This Fellowship

• Abide in His words daily—John 15:7 correlates abiding with answered prayer.

• Participate in the Lord’s Supper—1 Cor 10:16 calls it “a participation in the blood of Christ.”

• Practice confession—1 John 1:9 keeps the relational lines clear.

• Share life with other believers—Acts 2:42 links koinonia with the gathered church.

• Serve with His strength—Col 1:29: “I labor… with all His energy that so powerfully works in me.”

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Living the Calling

God’s faithfulness guarantees the reality of this fellowship; our role is to respond with trust, obedience, and joyful participation in the life His Son shares with us now and forever.