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I. THE APOSTLES' TESTIMONY CONCERNING CHRIST AS A PERFECT SAVIOUR (vers. 1, 2).

1. No stronger evidence can be conceived.

2. The statement of such evidence proves the importance of giving facts as the foundation of Christianity.

3. The terms of this statement deserve careful study.

(1)  The pre-existence of our Lord.

(2)  The real, objective humanity of our Lord.

(3)  The life-giving power of our Lord.

II. THE DESIGN OF THIS TESTIMONY — that others might participate in the peculiar privileges of the apostles of Christ (ver. 3).

1. Fellowship.

2. Fulness of joy.

III. THE EVIDENCES OF REAL UNION WITH CHRIST AS PERFECT SAVIOUR.

1. A life of practical holiness (vers. 5-7).

2. A Scriptural sentiment (vers. 8-10).

3. Compliance with the condition of forgiveness and cleansing (ver. 9).Lessons:

1. The solid basis of Christianity — a historical Christ, attested by unimpeachable witnesses.

2. The distinguished privileges of a believer in Christ.

(1)  Divine fellowship.

(2)  Divine cleansing.

(3)  Divine forgiveness.

3. The blessed and royal life of the Christian. To "walk in the light."

(D. C. Hughes, M. A.)

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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;

WEB: That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life