Summary
Assurance of eternal life, walking in the light, and loving one another.
by Dr. David Silver3 min read
Read the Summaryby Dr. David Silver3 min read
1 John is a NT epistle written by the apostle John in the 90’s A.D. There were false teachers who had infiltrated into churches in Asia Minor who are referred to as secessionists. They left the church after denying the deity and resurrection of Christ. 1 John gives an assurance of salvation which offers three tests to see if one is in the faith. They are: the moral test- do you obey the commands; the social test- do you love your brother; the doctrinal test- do you believe Jesus is the son of God come in the flesh, and the Messiah.
In chapter 1, John gives the message of the gospel, ‘The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us (1 John 1:2).’ Jesus, by his death and resurrection, purifies the believer from all sin (1:7). Since God is light, believers must walk in the light to have fellowship with one another (1:7). Believers are not sinless, but rather they are to confess their sin to restore and maintain their relationship with the Lord (1:8-9).
In chapter 2, the three tests mentioned above are all delineated. They are mentioned throughout the rest of the letter also. John is trying to deter believers from sinning (2:1), but if they do sin, they have Jesus Christ as a defense (this is the only time the word parakletos is used of Christ in the Bible, meaning coming alongside someone). He is the atoning sacrifice (hilasmos) for our sins (2:2). This word is used only twice in the Bible, both in 1 John. It refers to the expiation of sins as well as propitiation (turning away and satisfying God’s wrath). Though believers are to love each other, they are not to love the world (2:15-17).
In chapter 3, John emphasizes that now believers are children of God (3:1-2). John also stresses that the believer is not to continue sinning as a pattern but is to do what is right (3:4-10). This process of sanctification requires ongoing repentance and honesty. Along with this admonition is the practical advice of loving others (3:11-20). Anyone who hates his brother, like Caan, is a murderer. Believers are to be like Christ and lay their lives down for their brothers (3:16). This includes being generous and meeting needs of those around them. The Spirit he gave believers lets them know that Christ lives in them (3:24).
In chapter 4, John asks believers to test the spirits (4:1). The Spirit of God acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (4:2). Those spirits who do not acknowledge that are antichrists (4:3). The children of God have overcome the false teachers, because the one in them is greater than the one who is in the world (4:4). John reiterates that believers are to love because God first loved them and God is love (4:8,16). Perfect love drives out fear because a secure believer has confidence regarding the judgment (4:17-18). Whoever loves God must also love his brother (4:21).
In chapter 5, the first five verses repeat the three tests discussed. The faith of the believer has overcome the world (5:4). Jesus came by water (representing baptism) and blood (meaning the cross). The Spirit testifies along with these (5:6). God’s testimony is true and is described in 5:11-13. This is a wonderful assurance for the believer and is helpful for persevering in faith. It also gives the believer confidence in prayer (5:14-15). There is sin that leads to death (apostacy) and sin that does not (that dealt with by Christ). John ends by exhorting believers to keep from idols (5:21). By passing all the tests given, walking in assurance, and growing in faith, it will help them to do just that.
Structure
Chapter 1
That which we have heard and seen and touched — God is light, and if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive.
Chapter 2
Obedience, love for one another, and believing the truth about Jesus — the three threads of the whole letter; and do not love the world.
Chapter 3
See what great love the Father has lavished on us; the pattern of a life changed, and love that acts rather than talks.
Chapter 4
Test the spirits; love comes from God, who sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice — and perfect love drives out fear.
Chapter 5
Whoever has the Son has life; confidence in prayer; and the reason the letter was written — so that you may know.
Key Themes
01
Written so that you may know you have eternal life.
02
Fellowship with God shows in how a person walks.
03
Not a feeling to admire but something laid down for one another.
04
Fully God and genuinely come in the flesh — the line the secessionists crossed.
05
He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us.
The Challenge We Face
John writes as one who heard, saw and touched the Word of life, against teachers who denied that Christ really came in the flesh.
He is our advocate with the Father, and the atoning sacrifice for our sins — and this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son.
Apply Scripture
You can know you have eternal life; assurance is meant to be had.
Confess sin rather than claiming you have none.
Love that costs nothing and does nothing is not love.
Test what you are taught about who Jesus is.
Perfect love drives out fear of judgment.
Study guides
You've seen the big picture. Now explore the book verse by verse with our practical Bible Study Guide.
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