John, Jesus’ closest disciple, testifies that he has seen, heard, and touched the Word of Life, Jesus the Son of God. He writes to his circle of churches, reassuring them that the word they have heard is true and warning them not to turn away from it as numerous people were doing. The essence of the message is that God is light, without any darkness at all and that He has sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Those who know God will walk in the light and trust in Jesus’ death to take away the guilt of their sin.