1:31 John 1:3

What was seen and heard and touched of the living Word from the beginning, the eternal life that was with the Father and was made flesh so He could be known personally, is declared so that hearers may share fellowship with those who saw Him.ST Jan 11, 1899+4 That fellowship with the witnesses is truly fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, two distinct persons who are one, entered as sinners believe in Christ and are cleansed and born again.MH 461.2–3+4 This fellowship is not mere feeling or fine words but real daily union and communion with God that brings unity among believers, fullness of joy, and a transformed life growing in obedience, reverence, trust and love.Lt 192, 1903, par. 14–16+4 It is borne witness to with positive certainty in simplest practical language out of a heart overflowing with love, not by controversy, and it cannot be disproved by opponents.ST Jan 11, 1899+4 The same testimony has come down unchanged through the ages by the Holy Spirit, so those living now may have fellowship with those who first bore it and proclaim the old truth anew.Lt 55, 1905, par. 4–7+4

The verse declares what was seen and heard so that hearers may have fellowship with the witnesses, and that fellowship is truly with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.MH 461.2–3+4 What is declared is that which was from the beginning, heard, seen with the eyes, looked upon and handled of the Word of life, the eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested.Ms 11, 1910, par. 7–10+4 The eternal life that was with the Father was manifested when Christ clothed His divinity with humanity and became flesh and blood, so people could speak with Him, learn from Him, and know Him personally.ST Jan 11, 1899+1 The testimony is given in simplest practical language with positive decided certainty, not as controversy or contention, but as clear and forcible witness out of a heart overflowing with love for Christ that no power could stop.ST Jan 11, 1899+4

John wrote as an aged worker nearly one hundred years old, repeating the glad message over and over from personal seeing and hearing and handling of the crucified and risen Saviour, whose life was revealed in his life and whose light from God illumines mind and soul, to hold young believers steady when persecution threatened their hold on Christ.Ms 92, 1903, par. 2–7+4 John spoke with certainty to his own day calling to Jesus and perfecting of character, and when hearers grew tired of the message they tried to kill him and then banished him to the lone isle of Patmos to silence him; even exile could not place him beyond Christ's reach.Ms 161, 1904, par. 6–7+2 The eyewitness testimony answered questions brought by the enemy to cause doubt and dissension in the early history of the church, established faith because John could say with assurance that he knew Christ lived on earth and bear witness to His words and works, encouraged believers facing persecution, strengthened them to face it with courage and loyalty, and cannot be disproved by opponents.Ms 29, 1911, par. 70–71+4

Counted by human wisdom as past service, an old and broken reed exiled on Patmos, John was not forgotten but honored with God's presence and used there to give the most glorious truths concerning the last chapters of this earth's history, bidden to write what he saw in a book so those living in the closing days might know it.Ms 154, 1904, par. 22–25+1 John keeps self out of sight and does not once mention his own name, wanting the reader's mind centered on comprehensive truths with Christ the Mediator as the center, the all and in all, the foundation and object of faith and hope.Ms 62, 1903, par. 26–27 What is thus presented from firsthand eyewitness testimony will be met again in the judgment, and the Word of life must not be given a perverted or wrong view of Bible doctrines, because scattering such error sows seed producing a harvest of unbelief, draws souls into darkness and Satan's net, and ends in infidelity.Lt 11, 1883, par. 3–6

After the ascension the disciples, brought by the Holy Spirit to remembrance and understanding of Christ's words and deeds and pure holy life during daily companionship with Him as Commander of the heavenly host in human life, repeated them to one another and declared them, especially His resurrection and miracles.Ms 7a, 1900, par. 5–7+2 Their eyewitness testimony with that of contemporaries gives later believers evidence to believe and share their faith, and their witness to Christ was also witness to the Father because all comprehended in Deity was represented in Christ's human life.Ms 7a, 1900, par. 5–7+2 Careful reading of the first chapter prepares understanding of the second chapter, which teaches that believers are to sin not, that if any sin there is an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, who is the propitiation for sins, and that knowing Him is shown by keeping His commandments and walking as He walked.Lt 238, 1907, par. 7–9+1

The witnessed life of Jesus is the basis for fellowship with God and with believers, declared from what was seen and heard of the Word of life so that others may share fellowship with those who bore witness, and that fellowship is truly with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.Ms 77, 1899, par. 7–8+1 The Father and the Son are one, yet they are two distinct personages, spoken of as two all through the Scriptures, and the Son is a real person and not a nonentity.RH Jul 13, 1905+1 This guards against wrong sentiments that endeavor to make the Son of God a nonentity.Ms 56, 1905, par. 4 Fellowship with one another rests on fellowship and communion with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and union with them leads to unity among believers and fullness of joy, while through faith God leads a united people by the Holy Spirit into all truth.Lt 192, 1903, par. 14–16

Fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ is union and communion with God and the life of the soul.Ms 120, 1903, par. 5–6+1 It is not an unexplainable thing clothed with beautiful words but a genuine daily experience that makes words of real value and makes joy full.Ms 120, 1903, par. 5–6+1 Those who are cleansed and born again and have this union declare it in spirit and word and work, for profession is nothing unless good fruit is manifest.Ms 120, 1903, par. 5–6+1 Unity and fellowship with one another and with Christ is the fruit borne on every branch of the living vine.Ms 120, 1903, par. 5–6+1 This fellowship is the greatest of all science to be laid hold of, spoken by John after he was called from his fishing boat and made a fisher of men.Lt 116, 1905, par. 26+1 Each must ask whether his own fellowship is with the Father and with Christ, including those the Lord takes from common labor to have a part in the closing work in the short time remaining, as He took Elisha from the plow.Lt 116, 1905, par. 26+1

Fellowship with the Father and His Son is restored to sinners made aliens from God by unbelief when they take hold of God's strength to make peace with Him through belief in Christ as personal Saviour, the only salvation provided.Lt 368, 1904, par. 9–13 It rests on His death to make atonement and on His living work at His Father's right hand pleading for sinners, where His intercessions prevail to pay the redemption price, take away sins, give power to all who receive Him to become sons of God, and keep obedient believers from falling, so that because He lives they shall live also.Lt 368, 1904, par. 9–13 It means sanctification through truth as unreserved continuous progressive surrender until grace is lost in glory.Lt 368, 1904, par. 9–13 It is a relationship believers may enter as they accept the means God provides to be transformed into His likeness, alongside restored fellowship with ministering angels.SC 22.1

Like Christ in the world, Christ's people as God's adopted children and joint heirs with Christ share fellowship with the Father and the Son.SG4 233.3+1 Yet their holy calling, adoption into God's family, motives, present identity and future inheritance are not evident to the world, which does not know or understand them in their humiliation and reproach.SG4 233.3+1 This fellowship ennobles and elevates and brings joys beyond expression full of glory.4T 357.2 Connection with God and a share in His divine nature are worth more than food, clothing, status or wealth.4T 357.2 Those who belong to Christ have their lives hidden with Him in God, when He appears they will become like Him, and becoming God's children is worth any sacrifice even loss of life.4T 357.2

Fellowship with God and His dear Son is a high attainment to which the Christian may ever keep rising higher.BS 16.1 By it finite man is elevated through the merits of Jesus Christ to the highest dignity possible, to be called sons of God and heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.BS 16.1 To those thus exalted are unfolded the unsearchable riches of Christ, of a thousandfold more value than the wealth of the world.BS 16.1 It is a privilege of holy communion with Christ like the communion His disciples had with Him, a close intercourse sought by the true Christian.ST Mar 31, 1887+1 Through it the soul beholding God is transformed into the divine image.ST Mar 31, 1887 Fellowship with Christ brings into fellowship with the Father and the Son as a great advantage calling Christians to represent Christ in character.Ms 173, 1897, par. 9–12

The apostolic declaration confirms the teaching of the Old and New Testaments and comes down through the ages to the present time, so that those living now may have fellowship with those who bore it.Lt 116, 1905, par. 20–21+2 That faithful transmission was secured by the promise that the Holy Spirit would bring all things to their remembrance and would abide with believers forever.Lt 116, 1905, par. 20–21+1 The apostles stand as channels through whom sacred truth was passed on to later generations, proclaiming what they had seen and heard of the manifested life so others could share their fellowship, which is truly with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.Lt 116, 1905, par. 20–21+1

The true message does not change, for the truth proclaimed today is the same truth heard and seen from the first and from the beginning.Lt 55, 1905, par. 4–7+2 It is the same truth proclaimed for more than fifty years, still declared after fifty years unchanged.Lt 55, 1905, par. 4–7+1 It has been made known by speaking and by books that remain as a living witness to what the Scriptures say, giving assurance that the faith has not changed.Lt 55, 1905, par. 4–7+1

What is declared is not inward feeling alone but truth felt within confirmed by the testimony of the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit.Lt 183, 1905, par. 19–20 That truth is the great and solemn warning messages and the sacred, holy truths that make believers Seventh-day Adventists, confirmed by fifty years of evidences.Lt 183, 1905, par. 19–20 Those who declare from such personal experience have true fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.Lt 183, 1905, par. 19–20

The apostles' declaration of what they had seen and heard of the Word of life is addressed to believers in this last generation, that they also may have fellowship with the apostles in fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.Lt 216, 1906, par. 6–7+2 In the last days that testimony is applied to proclaiming the prophetic messages and holding fast to the truth they established against claims that unsettle faith.LSEGW 429.2–3 That testimony to the truth is accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit, and to deny this work is to deny the Holy Spirit.LSEGW 430.1

The witness to be borne is not a new message but the old message that brought God's people out of the churches in 1843 and 1844.RH Jan 19, 1905+1 It is the same message given then, witnessed in what has been seen and heard, to be proclaimed again and not replaced.RH Jan 19, 1905+1 It is to be proclaimed again with the zeal and earnestness then manifested, kindled anew in the heart by the Holy Spirit and kept alive by living witnesses who remember those days and know whereof they speak, that others may share fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.Ms 161, 1904, par. 8

John's pattern of telling what was seen and heard and personally experienced is applied to bearing witness to the rise and progress of the third angel's message.Lt 20, 1890, par. 8–9 It is applied to the testimony borne about the messages for the last days, declaring what has been heard and seen with the Holy Spirit accompanying the presentation of the truth.Ms 28, 1890, par. 1–5 Experienced workers who have seen and heard the manifested Word of life will in future times of great difficulty speak distinctly of the first, second, and third angels' messages, declaring Him so others may share fellowship with them in fellowship truly with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.Lt 71, 1903, par. 8

John's repeated testimony to the crucified and risen Saviour gave believers a firm witness to Christ.Ms 99, 1909, par. 42–47 That message of what the apostles had seen and heard of Christ, declared so others may share their fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, strengthened those in danger of losing their hold on Him.Ms 99, 1909, par. 42–47 In the same way experienced believers testify to the messages they have proclaimed and to truth confirmed in their experience by the Word and the Holy Spirit, declaring what has been seen and heard to invite others into fellowship with those who testify and with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.Ms 99, 1909, par. 27–29

Those who have stood faithful through storm and trial and still employ their abilities and gifts in the work can declare what they have seen and heard so that others may have fellowship with them, and that fellowship is truly with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.20MR 220.3+1 This is the work of older believers connected with the message from its rise, who have seen God's power revealed in a marked manner, and though they cannot labor as vigorously as younger ministers they can still bear this witness.20MR 220.3+1 That they are able to do this should greatly encourage them, for they are still needed as counselors, their voices and words at general meetings bring great encouragement, and younger believers should give these experienced laborers special respect and reverence.Ms 29, 1911, par. 72–73

Even with many infirmities, aged workers whom the Lord has brought through many trying difficult places and left alive can praise Him that they live to declare what they know and to invite others into fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.20MR 219.4+1 Aged servants who have heard and seen and handled the Word of life from the beginning declare it as the spirit and life of the message in old age, as John did when nearly one hundred years old.Ms 33, 1890, par. 1–4 Holding fast the banner of truth until they lay off the armor, what they speak from worn and enfeebled powers is precious testimony to be treasured, and younger workers entering into their labors are to esteem them highly and rise up and call them blessed.Ms 33, 1890, par. 1–4

Declaring what has been personally seen and heard is the pattern for old experienced laborers connected with the work almost from its beginning, dating nearly from the passing of the time in 1844, to testify in the churches to encourage and comfort them and set things in order.Lt 195, 1901, par. 1 Aged workers are to follow John's example of living testimony grounded in real experience and known truth, continuing to declare and repeat the experience through which they passed to the end of life.Ms 99, 1909, par. 17–20+1 In perilous times such firsthand testimony of long experience of Christ from those who have borne the burden and heat of the day for many years is needed, and it is to be respected, recognized, helped and sustained, not set aside for younger men of far less experience.Ms 92, 1903, par. 8–12

Staunch pioneer workers are to bear John's message by declaring what they have seen and heard of the Word of life and eternal life manifested in Christ, so that others may have fellowship with them in fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.Ms 169, 1907, par. 7–8+2 This spiritual knowledge comes through close contact with the Word of life, and those who have firsthand knowledge of Him declare what they have witnessed so others can be instructed.Ms 169, 1907, par. 7–8+2 Experienced faithful ministers who can bear this testimony proclaim what they witnessed and help train younger and other workers for service through actual labor and instruction.PK 222.4–223.2+2 Aged servants like John still have a part in this way: bearing witness to what they have heard and seen brings joy and proclaims that God is light, calling believers to walk in the light, have fellowship with one another, and receive cleansing from sin through Jesus' blood.Ms 41, 1890, par. 12–14

Every professed Christian is to bear testimony to the love revealed in the gift of the Saviour and to glorify God for redeeming fallen man, with renewed daily expressions of thanksgiving and praise from converted sanctified lips as the soul takes in that love more fully, and by receiving Christ to walk in His footsteps, to glorify His name, and to become more Christlike in character daily.Lt 394, 1907, par. 9–10 True witnessing is declaring what has been personally seen and heard of Him by living experimental knowledge, not supposition or guesswork.Ms 8a, 1888, par. 9–12 Fellowship with the Father and with His Son comes from studying Christ's life in the Word, beholding His glory as in a glass, imitating the life delighted in, having His lessons engraved on the soul, and being changed from glory to glory into His image.Ms 8a, 1888, par. 9–12 That fellowship makes it duty to reveal what is known with certainty without doubt or contention, in simple language eloquent with love, so that Christ's character and the beauty of holiness shine out.Ms 8a, 1888, par. 9–12

Declaring what is personally known to be truth because God has spoken it means preaching with earnestness and positiveness mingled with persuasive entreaties, presenting the plain Thus saith the Lord with authority, and keeping the Bible ever before the people.Lt 8, 1895, par. 8–13 It means reaching them in their houses, speaking short and right to the point with a heart vitalized by the Spirit, bringing hearers to decision, giving Bible readings, drawing them out by questions, and inviting difficulties so uncomprehended Scriptures may be explained.Lt 8, 1895, par. 8–13 Ministers with faith and experience are to teach others from what they know of the gospel, testifying to what they personally heard and seen and instructing others.CH 603.2–3+1 They are to speak from fresh experience of knowing the truth and seeing Christ's power, whose influence is evident in character.GW92 102.3–103.1

Faithful workers who can declare the message share this fellowship with the Father and His Son.Lt 47, 1902, par. 7 Gathering with God's people to hear the words of life gives spiritual knowledge and light so receivers can share it with others and receive the testimony into shared fellowship.Lt 117, 1896, par. 2–4+1 One touched by grace can tell how Christ has acted in life even without extensive instruction or long experience.DA 339.3–340.1+1 Restored men who could not teach as longtime disciples could still witness to what they experienced of saving power, and sharing that firsthand knowledge brings the witness nearer the Saviour and shows the Gospel as living power changing lives.DA 339.3–340.1+2

Those who received and experienced truth make it known so others share fellowship through knowing Christ, and a sanctified life and testimony give life-giving power, make the message convincing to receptive hearts, and work sanctification in character.DA 141.5–142.2 Each believer can testify from personal experience to Christ's power and to the Bible as God's voice, for every true believer through own experience of what was seen and heard and felt of Christ's power can bear witness with no wearisome contention, as one intimately associated with Christ for whom darkness passed and true light shines.AA 555.2–556.1+1 The twelve were commissioned to go forth as Christ's witnesses declaring what they had seen and heard, an office most important ever called to human beings second only to Christ Himself, as workers together with God for saving men.AA 19.1 As the twelve patriarchs stood as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles stand as representatives of the gospel church.AA 19.1

Those who have seen and heard hold a rich treasure and must declare it so others rest in hope and faith and confidence in God revealed in Christ.Lt 102, 1893, par. 4–5 To meet it with unbelief dishonors God and proves unworthy unfaithful stewardship, while trials and afflictions give growing knowledge to declare, leading to greater things to see and a life reflecting the matchless love of Jesus.Lt 102, 1893, par. 4–5 Fellowship formed through daily communion with God and obedience to His will equips to speak words guiding wandering souls to Christ.GW 23.1–2 As a personal relationship making one a minister and worker with God whether preaching to a congregation or not, it enables presenting God's character in human life and guards against counterfeit Christianity, and those serving God in body, soul and spirit share fellowship joining believers with one another and with the Father and Christ.6T 13.3+1

One engaged in the work from youth to whom it became part of being, knowing the labor and acquainted with the work, can like John declare what was seen and heard and experienced in relation to the work given to do.Ms 18, 1888, par. 39 Satan will strive most earnestly to silence such witness to better obtain access to minds by making of none effect the testimonies of the Spirit.Ms 18, 1888, par. 39 Telling others what one personally seen, heard and experienced of God's truth is grounded in real experience not fiction and can bring conviction to listeners.2T 276.1–2 The verse gives a message of warning and declares God's love in giving His only begotten Son, not to save men in their sins but to take away the sin of the world through obedience to the truth.Ms 87, 1893, par. 29–30

This fellowship means individual accountability to God for service and singleness of purpose because time is short, receiving wisdom from Christ who is sanctification and righteousness, walking in knowledge of truth, partaking of the divine nature, holding plain requirements without crowding the mind with many things, obtaining now a genuine experience, and walking humbly with God.Lt 116, 1910, par. 2–6 The verse gives definite instruction about the knowledge God wants, clearly defined in His word, declaring that which was from the beginning, heard and seen with the eyes and looked upon and handled of the Word of life, so others also may have fellowship with those who saw and heard.Ms 120, 1903, par. 2–4 This fellowship with the Father and with His Son is that which every soul may experience.Lt 116, 1910, par. 2–6+1

Fellowship is received through the message that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all, so those who have it do not walk in darkness while claiming fellowship with Him.Lt 30, 1895, par. 14–16 Truth is to have sanctifying power on the heart, expelling unholy lust and selfishness in home and church and accusing of the brethren.Lt 30, 1895, par. 14–16 The Holy Spirit is let to come in and abide while Satan is expelled from the soul temple, the door of the heart is opened to Jesus, and the richest blessing is enjoyed through faith that works by love and purifies the soul.Lt 30, 1895, par. 14–16

This fellowship belongs to the better covenant in which repentant sinners who humble their hearts and confess sins come to Christ trusting in His merits.Lt 276, 1904, par. 7–11 They are cleansed from sin by His blood and receive from Him power to become sons of God.Lt 276, 1904, par. 7–11 His perfect law is put into the mind and written in the heart, they partake of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust, with full joy because God is light.Lt 276, 1904, par. 7–11

Fellowship with the Father and the Son is expressed in true sanctification, which is growing in knowledge of God and in reverence, trust and love while becoming more like Christ.ST Nov 13, 1879 As Christians grow they recognize their own unlikeness to Christ, distrust themselves more, and depend more fully on God.ST Nov 13, 1879 Their Christlike character makes them a help and blessing to others.ST Nov 13, 1879 This fellowship is shown in a life growing in knowledge of God's will, sharing in the divine nature, and increasing in reverence, childlike trust and confiding love.8MR 126.2

It is a soul experience in which the Lord's countenance shines with light and peace, sustaining in feebleness by arms that never tire and comforting with unchangeable love.Lt 46, 1879, par. 1–3 There is growing daily in knowledge of the divine will, partaking of the divine nature, and increasing in reverence and holy trust.Lt 46, 1879, par. 1–3 Appreciation of Christ's pardoning blood becomes ever more precious as hold on the world loosens.Lt 46, 1879, par. 1–3 Fellowship is heart to heart union with the Father and with the Son through making God's Word the study and living in harmony with Bible truth in obedience to God's requirements.Lt 289, 1905, par. 8 That obedience brings happiness in the joy that comes through it, and living in harmony with Bible truth gives clear discernment.Lt 289, 1905, par. 8

Fellowship is had when His people by faith follow in the path where Christ leads, advancing and keeping pace with opening providence without backsliding.12MR 180.2–182.1+1 It requires decided piety and pure living unto God that distinguishes His people from the world, refusing to look down in discouragement and looking up to the unseen things that are eternal.12MR 180.2–182.1+1 When eyes are fastened upon the imperishable treasure and God is made the object of supreme love, the world and its treasures sink into insignificance.12MR 180.2–182.1+1 Then a decided influence goes forth from believers upon the household and the neighborhood as far-reaching as eternity.12MR 180.2–182.1+1

Fellowship is genuine connection with Christ cultivated through constant companionship, as Enoch's daily association transformed him into Christ's image.RH Jan 2, 1913 It produced goodness, mercy, compassion, sympathy, forbearance, meekness, humility and love, which is genuine sanctification and ongoing growth away from one's own way toward Christ's.RH Jan 2, 1913 Fellowship is the life of the true Christian who fulfills the baptismal pledge to discourage pride, covetousness and unbelief.Lt 46, 1901, par. 18–19 Such fellowship means daily communion with God, growing self-distrust and dependence on God, increasing reverence and love for the Saviour, and being a living witness for the Master.Lt 46, 1901, par. 18–19 It brings a realizing sense of what it means to be a child of God and of pardon and elevation of character secured by the cleansing blood of Christ, growth in spirituality like the lofty cedar, being a treasure house of knowledge mighty in the Scriptures, knowing more and still more of the divine will, and constantly increasing love for God and for fellow men.Lt 46, 1901, par. 18–19

Fellowship comes from living near the Saviour with a humble and contrite heart, and this communion is revealed in the life.Lt 167, 1904, par. 21 Close fellowship learned at Jesus' feet by sitting and learning from Him puts sanitarium workers, physicians and ministers, nurses and helpers on high and sacred ground.Lt 326, 1907, par. 8–10 It makes them missionaries in the highest sense, makes religion pure and reveals Christ's grace in character, and gives an influence that gathers souls to see and partake of His excellent glory.Lt 326, 1907, par. 8–10 So work done in the fear and love of God reaches a class with present truth reachable in no other way and acquaints many souls with precious truths of the Word.Lt 326, 1907, par. 8–10 Fellowship is a living connection that each must maintain individually through Christ's grace, for God deals with men as individuals and gives to every one his work, so none is competent to dictate another's duty.Ms 133, 1907, par. 24 All are to be taught of God and every soul must work out his own righteousness, and this direct personal union is the only genuine experience of value.Ms 133, 1907, par. 24