The Relationship of Life vs The Fellowship of Life

 

The Relationship of Life vs The Fellowship of Life

Romans 8:15–17 – “You have received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”

1 John 1:3, 6–9 – “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ... If we say we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” 

Aspect	Relationship of Life	Fellowship of Life
Meaning	Refers to the relationship established when believers are born of God and become His children — an inner union of divine life.	Refers to the practical communion and spiritual flow between believers and God in daily experience.
Characteristic	Eternal, unchangeable, unbreakable — like a father–son relationship.	Can be interrupted or restored — like the flow of air or changes in weather.
Distinction	Unconditional, once for all, unbreakable; concerns position and identity.	Conditional, changeable, may be interrupted; concerns experience and reality.
Explanation	Once regenerated, believers have received God’s life and become His children (John 1:12–13); this relationship cannot be lost.	When believers sin, disobey, or ignore the Spirit, fellowship is hindered (1 John 1:6–7); confession restores fellowship (1 John 1:9).
Example	The prodigal son remained a son even while away from home (Luke 15:11–24); his identity never changed.	The prodigal son lost fellowship when he left home and regained it when he repented and returned.
Application	Believers should rest in the assurance of their identity in Christ and God’s unchanging love.	Believers should daily confess sins, obey the Spirit, and maintain open fellowship with God for joy and freshness.
Mutual Relationship	Relationship is the foundation of fellowship — without life relationship, no fellowship is possible.	Fellowship is the expression of relationship — when fellowship breaks, the relationship remains, but enjoyment is lost.
Detailed Scriptures	John 1:12–13 – “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God... who were born of God.” John 3:6 – “That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Romans 8:15–17 – “You have received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”	1 John 1:3, 6–9 – “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ... If we say we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” Psalm 66:18 – “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

 

🌿 Core Insights:

• The relationship of life is a positional reality established by regeneration, never broken by sin or weakness.
• The fellowship of life is a practical experience that can be hindered by sin or disobedience.
• Relationship is the foundation; fellowship is the expression.

 

📖 Conclusion:

The believer’s life relationship with God is eternal and unchangeable because it is grounded in God’s life. However, fellowship with God depends on ongoing confession, obedience, and love. When fellowship is broken, the relationship remains, but joy and inner peace are lost. True spirituality is to live in continual fellowship based on an unchanging relationship in divine life.

 

*Please refer to the June 2025 Summer Training, General Topic: Experiencing, Enjoying, and Manifesting Christ (Part 3), Chapter 11: The Fellowship of Eternal Life – The Reality of Living in the Body of Christ