About This Book
First John emphasizes assurance of salvation through Christ, genuine fellowship with God demonstrated by obedient love, and discernment between truth and deceptive antichrist spirits. John proclaims what existed from the beginning—the Word of life physically witnessed and touched—so readers may share fellowship with the apostles, the Father, and Jesus Christ, bringing complete joy. God is light; claiming fellowship while walking in darkness makes one a liar. Walking in light produces fellowship and cleansing through Jesus' blood.
Claiming sinlessness deceives oneself, but confessing sins finds God faithful and just to forgive. Jesus Christ the righteous serves as our advocate and atoning sacrifice, not only for believers but the whole world. Knowing Christ means keeping His commandments; claiming to abide in Him requires walking as Jesus walked. The old yet new commandment is loving one another—whoever loves remains in light while haters stumble in darkness.
John addresses children, fathers, and young men distinctly. Don't love the world or worldly things—lust and pride aren't from the Father but the world, which is passing away. Many antichrists have appeared, denying Jesus is the Christ, lacking the Father. What believers heard from the beginning should remain; then they'll abide in the Son and Father.
The Spirit's anointing teaches all things truthfully. God's children practice righteousness and love brothers, unlike Cain who murdered Abel. Believers shouldn't marvel when the world hates them—not loving means remaining in death. Jesus laid down His life; likewise believers should sacrifice for brothers.
Whoever has the world's goods yet closes hearts against needy brothers lacks God's love. Love must be genuine, in deed and truth, not merely words. Testing spirits is essential—every spirit confessing Jesus Christ came in flesh originates from God.