The life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 1 John 1:2–4 NKJV
Life is ours by the free favor of God, and having the life, we have the privilege of the fellowship. It is true that some of the children only enjoy the fellowship feebly; but let us not limit God by our limited apprehension of Him. The best thing in the family is the parent’s love, and this is the common portion of all the children.
The new and eternal life is that which each child lives; there is no other divine life: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 Jn. 5:11). There may be growth of the child, but the privilege of the fellowship flows from the possession of the life. As this fellowship is enjoyed, so is the measure of true Christian joy. Let the heart be ever so large, divine joy shall fill it to overflowing. The greatest measure in common with the smallest will be filled brimful when dipped into the ocean. There is boundless joy for the child of God, and his heart may be filled with it by means of fellowship with the Father and the Son.
In the glory that awaits the children of God, when the eternal life will be fully enjoyed by them, the joy of each will be full indeed, for then fellowship with the Father and the Son will be complete. Still, while here in the world, in trial, daily difficulty, and weakness, the portion of each child is fellowship and its consequent joy.
Rise our hearts, and bless the Father,
Ceaseless song e’en here begun,
Endless praise and adoration
To the Father and the Son.