1 John

Book Reviews aim to provide succinct, thoughtful summaries of books I have read. Each review contains quotes from the book, thoughts from others, and also some thoughts of my own. Typically they will be structured in the following order: author, introduction, message and purpose, remarkable chapter, and conclusion. This review will cover 1 John, a book written in the last quarter of the first century AD and one that is part of a larger collection of books called The Bible.

1 John

Author

John the apostle

Introduction

The book of 1 John is actually described better as a letter — the first of three — that John wrote to stabilize a situation in the local church. John reaffirmed and enlarged on key theological truths, particularly the doctrine of Christ. He extolled love and emphasized the necessity for belief to be matched by action. This powerful letter reminds the reader that a personal relationship with Christ is the foundation of the Christian life, and out from this grows obedience to divine commands.

Message and Purpose

John made four purpose statements in this letter:

First, he wrote to promote his readers' fellowship and joy. "We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete" (1:4).

Second, he wrote to help readers avoid the pitfalls of sin, yet find forgiveness when they stumbled. "My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin" (2:1).

Third, he wrote to protect believers from false teachers. "I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you" (2:26).

Finally, he wrote so they might know they had eternal life. "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life" (5:13). This last purpose statement governs the other three and brings them together in a unifying theme.

The message and purpose of 1 John was to confirm Christians in true apostolic Christianity by helping them avoid the destructive beliefs and behaviors to which some had fallen prey.

Remarkable Chapter

1 John only has five chapters, with each one containing deep theological truths and reminders for daily Christian living. Chapter 4 demonstrates perhaps the most succinct and simplistic presentation of the gospel message found in Scripture. After encouraging the reader to love one another, John summarizes the gospel message in verses 9-10:

"God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

The heart of the Christian belief is summarized in seven words in verse 19:

"We love because He first loved us."

Conclusion

John concisely instructs, admonishes, and encourages the reader in this powerful letter. 1 John maps out the three main components of saving knowledge of God: (1) faith in Jesus Christ, (2) obedient response to God's commands, and (3) fervent love for God and others from the heart. This letter shows how Jesus expects His followers to honor him in practical church life and wherever God calls His people to go and serve.