"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:8-9)
John, along with Peter and James, was one of three apostles who spent extensive time with Jesus. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, John pulls few punches in this short letter, written sometime between 85-95 A.D. He points out that either is or is not a child of God; there is no middle ground. One's behavior must provide the evidence. In almost proverbial fashion he lays down the foundations for right living. He does so to answer questions raised by antichrists, or those who denied Jesus as Lord. Virtually everything John says either reinforces the truth of the gospel, or provides tests for someone's true spiritual allegiance.
John, known as the "love apostle," referred to himself in his Gospel as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:20). It is not surprising, therefore, that we see a strong emphasis on the need to love. Children of God love others as God has loved them; if they don't, then they deny God and they are not saved. Either you walk in the light or in the darkness, (I John 1:5-10). If you claim not to sin or if you continue to consciously live in sin, then you are denying the truth of salvation (I John 3:9-10). And the only way to overcome sin is to have faith in Jesus Christ. John writes, "Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the son of God?" (I John 5:5). John does not intend his message to instill doubt about salvation - in fact, he writes, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life" (I John 5:13) He declares that by committing our lives to Jesus, we can overcome sin and live lives full of divine love.
John, known as the "love apostle," referred to himself in his Gospel as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:20). It is not surprising, therefore, that we see a strong emphasis on the need to love. Children of God love others as God has loved them; if they don't, then they deny God and they are not saved. Either you walk in the light or in the darkness, (I John 1:5-10). If you claim not to sin or if you continue to consciously live in sin, then you are denying the truth of salvation (I John 3:9-10). And the only way to overcome sin is to have faith in Jesus Christ. John writes, "Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the son of God?" (I John 5:5). John does not intend his message to instill doubt about salvation - in fact, he writes, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life" (I John 5:13) He declares that by committing our lives to Jesus, we can overcome sin and live lives full of divine love.
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