And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. Reflection This verse offers quiet confidence rather than dramatic promise. Writing pastorally to strengthen assurance, John the Apostle grounds prayer in knowledge—if we know that he hear us. The certainty does not […]
1 John
The Book of 1 John is written to strengthen assurance, protect truth, and define what genuine Christian faith looks like in daily life. Authored by John the Apostle, the letter addresses believers facing confusion caused by false teachers who distorted the nature of Christ and minimized the seriousness of sin.
From the opening verses, John emphasizes the reality of Jesus Christ—fully divine and fully human. He insists that the gospel is not abstract philosophy, but lived experience rooted in historical truth. Any teaching that denies Christ’s incarnation or separates belief from obedience is firmly rejected.
A central theme of 1 John is assurance. John repeatedly states that believers may know they have eternal life. This assurance is not based on emotion or perfection, but on evidence—right belief about Christ, obedience to God’s commands, and love for one another. Faith is revealed through transformation, not mere profession.
The letter speaks plainly about sin. John rejects both denial of sin and hopelessness in the face of it. Believers are called to walk in the light, confess sin honestly, and trust in Christ’s ongoing work as advocate and atoning sacrifice. Grace does not excuse sin; it restores relationship.
Love is the book’s defining hallmark. God’s nature is described simply and powerfully: God is love. Those who know God reflect His love through sacrificial care for others. Love is not optional or theoretical—it is the visible evidence of new life in Christ.
1 John also addresses discernment. Believers are warned to test spiritual claims and teachings, recognizing that not every voice speaks from God. Truth matters, and love must be grounded in truth rather than sentiment.
The book concludes with confidence. John writes so believers may stand firm against deception, remain in fellowship with God, and rest in the certainty of eternal life. Obedience, love, and truth are not burdens, but signs of authentic faith.
The Book of 1 John offers clarity in confusing times. It reassures believers that genuine faith produces real change, and that life with God is marked by truth, love, and confident hope.
1 John 5:16
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
1 John 5:17
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1 John 5:19
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
1 John 5:2
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:5
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:6
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
1 John 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
1 John 5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
1 John 5:9
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.