There is an incredible intimacy John reveals in his writing about God. His descriptions show God to be majestic but also knowable. John speaks out of his joy of knowing God and being fully known by God. He describes how, in a real sense, we can be known by God in an intimate relationship.

Now, we may pause here: I get how John could relate to God like this because he spent time physically with Jesus. But I’m not with Jesus like he was, so how do I get close to God like that? It’s a good question. John’s answer is to believe in Jesus and receive a new relationship and connection with God through His Holy Spirit. How? By believing what God’s Word says about Jesus, loving others, obeying God’s commandments, and being in fellowship with Him (1 John 3:23-24).

John relays the message of the offer of friendship God has extended to us. You are already known by God, and by believing in His Son, you can know Him intimately too. He is not far. He extends His hand so that we can be in a relationship with Him. And He promises that one day we will see Jesus Christ face-to-face, like John did.