The Gospel as the Foundation of Fellowship

John writes this first epistle “so that you may have fellowship with us, and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” The foundation of that fellowship is the truth of the gospel. John says this in verses 1-3; that Jesus is God, who became man and is our way to eternal life. Our fellowship with God and each other was marred at the fall, so fellowship can only be restored by this true gospel. The only way to achieve real fellowship with each other is by having fellowship with Jesus. Likewise, our fellowship with God is grown and fostered as we participate in the fellowship of his church. This church fellowship is built on the foundation of the apostles and witnesses of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and the truth of their gospel message.