AmazedSample

Truth and Love

God inspired the Apostle John to write five books in the New Testament. One of these, 1st John, addresses key themes. These include the marks of a true believer and countering heretical teachers who caused deception in the early church.

In the opening verses of this letter, John shares his desire for people to have fellowship with the Father and His Son so that our joy would be complete (1 John 1:3-4). Concerning this, it’s essential to remind ourselves that all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, John’s words convey the desire of a loving, personal God, whose desire is for us to live in fellowship with him for all eternity. In addition, several verses reveal profound truths. Words meant to warn us, so that we don’t miss the joy of being a child in the worldwide eternal family or God (Ephesians 3:14). Verses like the following that parallel John 5:23:

Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:22-23, ESV).

While John wrote those sobering words to counter the deceptions facing early believers (1 John 2:26), it’s essential to reiterate that these words are Spirit-inspired. Written so that we comprehend the magnitude and peril that results when God’s grace in Christ is cast aside. And nothing breaks the heart of both the Father and Son like those who fail to turn from their ways and enter the fellowship of God’s family through Jesus the Son (Ezekiel 18:23, Luke 19:41-42). But the good news found in the above verse is that through Jesus, God becomes our Father.

Reflection: How are the warning passages in Scripture an act of God’s love and grace?

Luke 19:41-42
1 John 1:1-4
1 John 2:18-29