Fellowship With God

The relationship between God and His children is called in the Word of God, “fellowship.” The basic idea in the Biblical word “fellowship” is a mutual sharing, a partnership, a joint participation, a communion. Fellowship or a partnership involves three essential elements:

1. Unity of Purpose (common goal);

2. Working together to accomplish the purpose;

3. Each member of the partnership having a function to perform.

Man’s fellowship with God is made possible because of God’s love, grace and mercy towards mankind. God is not required in any way to allow mankind to have fellowship with him. The death of Jesus Christ was the means by which the door of fellowship was opened to mankind. The blood of Christ upon the cross provided reconciliation (access) to God.

What does God require of mankind in order for him to have access or fellowship with God as our Father? John in his first epistle lists God’s requirements for all mankind. First, we must “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7). Walking implies motion or action. Walking is a voluntary motion; it is both uniform and progressive. Walking in this context is the voluntary action of the Christian life that conforms to God’s will and helps us to progress to a closer relationship with God our Father.

The pattern after which the Christian walks is God. Since God is light, we must walk in the light, or we cannot have fellowship with God. Having fellowship or communion with God by necessity implies a partaking of His divine nature. God is light, all His actions are exactly pure and holy, and therefore our walk must be pure and holy also. Walking in the light is the sincere and serious Christian, who has a clear knowledge of God’s word, and therefore lives an exemplary and exact life according to God’s pattern.

The second requirement of God for His fellowship is that we “practice the truth” (1John 1:6). Our actions as a Child of God must be in accordance with God’s truth. In order to have God’s fellowship our walk must be according to the directions of the Gospel of Christ. The third requirement for communion with God is that we cannot “walk in darkness” (1 John 1:6). God is light, therefore he agrees well with those who are of the light, but with those who walk in darkness He has no fellowship. The individual who does not obey the truth of God’s word walks in darkness. Sin is disobedience or transgression of God’s will. To claim a fellowship with God who is Light and to walk in darkness of error, ignorance, and sinfulness is utterly inconsistent.

Those who think they love God and have His fellowship, yet live in sin and disobedience are liars or deceived. What are God’s requirements for fellowship?

1) Walk in the light as He is in the light

2) Practice the truth

3) Walk not in darkness.