Why is acknowledging the Son crucial for fellowship with the Father? Key Verse: The Indispensable Link “Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.” (1 John 2:23) Immediate Context: False Claims Exposed • Verses 18–22 warn of “antichrists” who deny that Jesus is the Christ. • John reassures believers that they have an anointing and know the truth. • Verse 23 distills the issue: relationship with the Father rises or falls on what a person does with the Son. Why Acknowledging the Son Is Crucial • The Father chose to reveal Himself exclusively through the Son (John 1:18; John 14:6). • Salvation rests on the Son’s atoning work (1 John 2:1-2); rejecting Him leaves sin unanswered. • Acceptance of the Son anchors sound doctrine and guards the church from deception (1 John 4:1-3). • Union with the Son brings union with the Father (John 15:23; 2 John 9). What “Confess the Son” Means • Openly affirming that Jesus is God’s unique, incarnate Son (1 John 4:15). • Trusting His sacrifice and resurrection for forgiveness and life (1 John 5:12). • Continuing, abiding loyalty—“remaining” in His teaching (1 John 2:24; 2 John 9). • Obedient living that reflects His character (1 John 2:3-6). Consequences of Denial vs. Confession • Denial – No fellowship with the Father (1 John 2:23). – Ongoing condemnation (John 3:18). – Darkness and deception (1 John 2:11). • Confession – Full fellowship with Father and Son (1 John 1:3). – Indwelling Spirit (1 John 4:13). – Assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:11-13). The Whole Bible Affirms the Connection • Jesus: “Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well.” (John 15:23) • Paul: God’s glory shines “in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:5-6) • Writer of Hebrews: The Son is “the exact representation of His nature.” (Hebrews 1:3) • At Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, the Father publicly endorsed the Son (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). Living Out Confession Day-to-Day • Hold fast to gospel truth; resist every teaching that minimizes Christ (Hebrews 10:23). • Cultivate love and obedience, the hallmarks of genuine fellowship (1 John 2:5; 3:24). • Rely on the Spirit’s enablement to keep from stumbling (Jude 24). • Engage in corporate worship and proclamation, joyfully naming Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10). Summary Scripture presents an unbreakable bond: to know the Father, one must embrace the Son. Denying Jesus severs the relationship; confessing Him opens the door to fellowship, forgiveness, and everlasting life. |
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