1 John (1) | CSI: Christ Seen Investigation (1:1-4)

The Attestation (vs.1)

Attestation - evidence or proof of something, a declaration that something exists or is the case, the action of being a witness to or formally certifying something.

Beginning (The Creator)

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Colossians 1:15-18

Image -  that which fulfills or brings to reality or consummation; understood as a real object as opposed to its shadow which is only an indistinct representation.

Hebrews 1:1–3 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

Express image -  an exact copy or reproduction.

John 1:1–4 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

Heard (The Communicator)

John 7:46 “The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”

Mark 1:22 “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.”

John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Mark 4:39 “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

John 11:43 “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.”

John 18:4–6 “Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.”

Seen/Looked Upon (The Commender)

John 1:36 “And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!”

Matthew 27:54–56 “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.”

Have handled (The Comforter)

John 13:20–25 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?”

The Authentication (vs.2-3)

bear witness - to solemnly assert something, offering firsthand authentication of the fact.

declare - To make known; to tell explicitly; to manifest or communicate plainly to others by words.

truly - According to truth; in agreement with fact

Authentication of evidence is the process of proving that evidence presented in court is what it is claimed to be. It ensures the reliability and accuracy of evidence by demonstrating its genuineness. This process is crucial for evidence to be deemed admissible in court.

Methods of Authenticating Evidence

Testimony: A witness with personal knowledge can testify that the evidence is what it appears to be. (Luke 24:1-12)(1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

Expert Testimony: An expert can compare evidence with a known standard to determine authenticity. (Who better to authenticate than Dr. Luke!) (Acts 1:1-3)

Distinctive Characteristics: Evidence can be authenticated by its unique features or markings. (Nail prints and His side!)

Luke 24:36–40 “And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”

The Appreciation (vs.4)

Because evidence is brought in and has been properly authenticated, we can now see what the outcome of this trial is going to be.

When someone is falsely accused and someone brings in evidence to prove this person innocent, there is JOY!

When someone has done something horrible to a loved one, and evidence is brought to put them behind bars forever, there is JOY!

THE FACT THAT CHRIST IS REAL, ROSE FROM THE DEAD, AND NOW WE CAN HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD SHOULD BRING US JOY!