1 ¶ That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, we declare concerning the Word of life;

2 (For the life appeared, and we have seen it, and are testifying to it, and we proclaim to you that eternal life, that was with the Father, and has appeared to us;)

3 We are telling you what we have seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us: and the fellowship we have is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4 And what we write to you is written, that your joy might be complete.

5 ¶ This then is the message that we heard from him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we are lying, and are not living the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us of all sin.

8 ¶ If we say that we do not have any sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.