1 John
John (the Apostle)
First John addresses the tests of genuine faith: believing in Jesus Christ incarnate, obeying God's commands, and loving fellow believers. Written to counter early Gnostic teaching, John emphasizes that true Christians demonstrate their faith through their doctrine, obedience, and love.
Chapters
Book Outline
Walking in light, confession, not loving the world.
Denying Christ, truth vs. lies.
Living righteously, love one another.
Distinguish truth from error.
God's love shown in sending His Son.
Overcoming the world, assurance of eternal life.
Key Themes
Tests of Faith
True faith is shown by belief, obedience, and love.
God is Love
Love defines God's nature and should define His children.
Assurance
Believers can know they have eternal life.
Key Verses
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Promise of forgiveness through confession.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Love as essential to knowing God.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
John's purpose: assurance of salvation.
