Summary
1 John was written to combat early Gnostic-like heresies that denied the incarnation and separated belief from behavior. John provides tests of genuine faith — believing in Christ's incarnation, obeying God's commands, and loving fellow believers — as the basis for assurance of salvation.
Outline
- Walking in the Light (1:1–2:17)
- Warning Against Antichrists (2:18–27)
- Children of God and Love (2:28–3:24)
- Testing the Spirits (4:1–6)
- God Is Love (4:7–21)
- Faith and Assurance (5)
Key Verses
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Christ in 1 John
The Word of life who was from the beginning; Jesus Christ the righteous, our advocate; the Son of God who came in the flesh; God's love revealed through Christ