Bible Book of 1 John | Assurance of Eternal Life
A letter assuring believers of their salvation and urging them to walk in truth, obedience, and brotherly love. 1 John chapters with summary and commentary.
Genre: Epistle. Theme: Assurance of Eternal Life
- Author: John (Apostle)
- Date: AD 85-95
- Read Time: 25 mins
- Purpose: Assurance of salvation and combat gnosticism.
- Key Verse: 1 John 5:13 - ...that ye may know that ye have eternal life.
- Christ: Our Advocate and Propitiation.
- Audience: Believers being unsettled by Gnostic errors
- Tests Of Life: Faith, Love, Obedience.
- Assurance Tests: Provides three ways to know you are saved: Obedience (Moral), Love (Social), and Belief (Doctrinal).
- Fellowship Theme: Focuses on 'walking in the light' to maintain fellowship with God and others.
1 John was written to give believers absolute assurance in their salvation during a time of theological confusion.
Uses a 'cyclical' style, repeatedly coming back to the themes of Truth and Love.
Jesus is our Advocate with the Father (2:1) and the Propitiation for our sins.
1 John 1 - The Word of Life
We have seen and proclaim to you the Word of life. God is light. If we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 2 - Christ Our Advocate
We know Christ if we keep his commands. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light. Do not love the world. Children, abide in him.
1 John 3 - Children of God
We are God's children. Those born of God do not sin. We should love one another. We know love because he laid down his life for us.
1 John 4 - Test the Spirits
Any spirit that confesses Christ is of God. God is love. He sent his Son as a sacrifice for sins. If we live in love, God lives in us.
1 John 5 - Jesus is God
Anyone born of God overcomes the world. The Spirit, water and blood all testify. God gave us eternal life in his Son. Keep from idols.