Summary
The epistle opens by declaring that the Word of Life—seen, heard, and touched by the apostles—was from the beginning. The writers urge the recipients to share in fellowship with them and with the Father and Son, so that their joy may be complete. They proclaim that God is light, with no darkness within Him. They warn that claiming fellowship while walking in darkness is deceitful, and affirm that walking in light, as Jesus does, brings mutual fellowship and cleansing by His blood. The authors also stress that denying sin is self-deception and that confession leads to divine faithfulness and cleansing from unrighteousness.