Study Desk

What was from the beginning,^(a) what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word^(b) of life—

that life was revealed,^(c) and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us^(d)—

what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may have fellowship^(e) along with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father^(f) and with His Son Jesus Christ.

We are writing these things^[a] so that our^[b] joy^(g) may be complete.

Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light,^(h) and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.⁽ⁱ⁾

If we say, "We have fellowship^(j) with Him," yet we walk in darkness,^(k) we are lying and are not practicing^[c] the truth.^(l)

But if we walk in the light^(m) as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus⁽ⁿ⁾ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

If we say, "We have no sin,"^(o) we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive^(p) us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say, "We don't have any sin," we make Him a liar, and His word^(q) is not in us.^(r)