We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3).
We cannot directly experience God through our senses. Why? He is Spirit and we bear a fallen human nature. So, in the natural order of things, we cannot see, touch, or hear Him. It’s true we can experience God through nature, prayer and His word. Yet, we lack a direct sensorial connection to Him. But John says the apostles had such tangible contact. How?
Scripture tells us that all things were created through Christ. He was there in “the beginning,” and “the word was with God and was God”. We also learn that He, the “word of life,” was manifested in human flesh (John 1:1-3, 14; 1 John 1:1-2). Therefore, the apostles were able to see and behold God, to hear and touch him, in Christ. They spent much time with Jesus. They travelled, ate, conversed and ministered with Him. They witnessed His power and love, up close, in intimate terms. This the apostles declared, that others might believe and by believing have eternal life.
However, there was a gnostic element that denied God took human form, saying Jesus had a phantom body, not a real one. John denounces this soundly. He saw, beheld and touched the flesh of Christ. Jesus was beaten and bled, He was crucified and died. A spirit cannot do that. He came in the flesh, but He was much more than human. He was Immanuel, “God with us”. God in the flesh! The apostles declared this, and by it the gospel of salvation.
But what of those who came after the apostles. How could they see, hear and touch God? We don’t have the same opportunity the apostles had. After His death, Jesus rose and ascended to heaven. So, how can any see and touch Him, as did they? Is not the church Christ’s body on earth? Does God not indwell His people through the Holy Spirit? Certainty! Then this is where such sensorial fellowship with God can be had.
The church is to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. It is to embrace others in His arms of love. It is to speak His words through caring lips. It is to hear the plight of others with His patient and attentive ears. It is to see others through His compassionate and impartial eyes. This is to say, the church is not to only declare Jesus with words, but with godly actions and a loving attitude. His people are to actually manifest Christ to others.
But how can others have fellowship with God through us, if we fail to gather together in meaningful fellowship? This is why true Christian fellowship is so imperative. Because through it, others can obtain a tangible contact with God. Therefore, don’t forsake communing with like-minded Christians. As you do so, be mindful of who you are manifesting.
Image used by permission of SermonView
