Chapter 4
Verses 12-16:
"No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him."
Verse 12 "No one has seen God at any time..." is much like in John 1:18, except when said in John 1:18 it denotes a different meaning. Speaking in John it speaks of God as not being seen or known, except as He has revealed himself in Christ. Here in 1 John he takes that truth further by saying that the power of God is comprehended by us by faith and by love. "If we love on another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us." Basically it is quite evident that "God abides in us" if by His Spirit we are given the ability to have brotherly love, so then we cannot sincerely have love for the brethren if God's Spirit does abide in us. Referring back to 1 John 3:10b we see, "Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother." Know that this is a evidence of God's indwelling if you love the brethren if you love fellowship with the brethren and if when you see a brother/sister in need you would lay your life down (or show charity) for that person (1 John 3:18).
Verse 13 gives the same connotation but reversing it from "God abides in us" to "we abide in Him," and making the same point.
In verse 14, going back to what I mentioned earlier about the difference in "seeing God" as mention in John 1:18, now John brings up the other side of the knowledge of God, in that He communicated Himself through His Son. "We have seen and testify..." Through this faith and this love we now "see" (not in the literal sense of seeing with your eyes, though John did), but we "see" the Son through our faith in Him. That Jesus really dwells in us and makes Himself visible in us by His power.
"Savior of the World..." (cf. John 3:17), the word "world" of course is an interesting word in the Bible that I would like to go into deeper at some point. But for now we must not consider this to be the literal translation of "every single person on the face of the planet," for it is obvious that not all are saved. It must be accepted here and in many other places in the Bible as all tounges, tribes and nations with no partiality (to Isreal, as it was).
Verse 15, "Whosoeve shall confess..." This is not to say that all men who confess are children of God, there are many who would profess their faith in Christ, such as about 90% of my university and probably about the same anywhere you go in America. Everyone has their idea of who Christ is, except more times than not it isn't the Biblical Christ, the only one that has the power to save your soul. "Confession" and "faith" go hand in hand here, in Romans 10:9 Paul states something similar, "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (emphasis added). That emphasis isn't exactly something to be taken lightly, this isn't just a few words and a walk down an aisle.
From verse 15 one gets the idea that to have faith in Jesus, or to "confess that Jesus is the Son of God..." causes God to "abide in" you and you "in God." And if this is true then "God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him" (vv.16). So then love must ought to reign in us, since God unites himself to us.
Citation:
*John Calvin commentaries on 1 John
*NKJV Reformation Study Bible (1 John)
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
1 John 4:7-11 (The Love of God Manifested)
Chapter 4
Verses 7-11:
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
With that first sentence "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God..." I think it might be appropriate to qualify the meaning of the term "love." When John talks of love here, he is not talking about some kind of romantic mushy love that wears off over time, nor is he talking about a love that is just accepting to all sorts of people living in all sorts of deadly and unrepentant sins, as some today seem to think is Christianity's intent. That being what "love" is not, perhaps I should attempt to define what love is, though I think I will have to make another blog about this some other time. Dealing with the passage above though, John says "let us love one another," reminiscent of Jesus's words to the Pharisees:
Matthew 22:35-40:
Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
In other words the Law can be broken down into two categories really, the love of God and the love of your neighbor/brethren.
But more than that we have been shown a perfect love by God the Father:
"In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." Looking over the life of Jesus as He walked this earth, the believer reading the bible sees example after example of someone who showed more generosity and compassion and charity than we could ever hope to match. But above all, above all other things He did, there is one thing that Jesus has done that is entirely unfathomable to our minds. And it is that statement above.
Take a second to dwell on that point, and understand what this means for a minute. What is being said here is more powerful than anything in this world, it is something that no other religion can offer. It goes on, "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He love us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins." One thing I know and the rest of believers, is that we did not love God, we did not seek God, we did everything to deserve the hatred and condemnation of God and deserving of nothing but eternal hell. But as mentioned above, "God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might Live Through Him" (emphasis added).
"God is love" which to a mind set on God is not too difficult to understand. We did not love God and yet He sought us out and found us (Isaiah 62:12), opened the eyes of our heart (Ezekiel 11:19), enabled us to have faith to repent and believe in His son (Mark 1:15), then justified us for nothing in ourselves but by His grace (Ephesians 2:8), and adopting us into a family that we can never ever be divorced from (Galatians 3:26).
"Beloved, if God so love us, we also ought to love one another." We are His followers and as such we attain to be perfect as He is (Matthew 5:48).
Verses 7-11:
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
With that first sentence "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God..." I think it might be appropriate to qualify the meaning of the term "love." When John talks of love here, he is not talking about some kind of romantic mushy love that wears off over time, nor is he talking about a love that is just accepting to all sorts of people living in all sorts of deadly and unrepentant sins, as some today seem to think is Christianity's intent. That being what "love" is not, perhaps I should attempt to define what love is, though I think I will have to make another blog about this some other time. Dealing with the passage above though, John says "let us love one another," reminiscent of Jesus's words to the Pharisees:
Matthew 22:35-40:
Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
In other words the Law can be broken down into two categories really, the love of God and the love of your neighbor/brethren.
But more than that we have been shown a perfect love by God the Father:
"In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." Looking over the life of Jesus as He walked this earth, the believer reading the bible sees example after example of someone who showed more generosity and compassion and charity than we could ever hope to match. But above all, above all other things He did, there is one thing that Jesus has done that is entirely unfathomable to our minds. And it is that statement above.
Take a second to dwell on that point, and understand what this means for a minute. What is being said here is more powerful than anything in this world, it is something that no other religion can offer. It goes on, "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He love us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins." One thing I know and the rest of believers, is that we did not love God, we did not seek God, we did everything to deserve the hatred and condemnation of God and deserving of nothing but eternal hell. But as mentioned above, "God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might Live Through Him" (emphasis added).
"God is love" which to a mind set on God is not too difficult to understand. We did not love God and yet He sought us out and found us (Isaiah 62:12), opened the eyes of our heart (Ezekiel 11:19), enabled us to have faith to repent and believe in His son (Mark 1:15), then justified us for nothing in ourselves but by His grace (Ephesians 2:8), and adopting us into a family that we can never ever be divorced from (Galatians 3:26).
"Beloved, if God so love us, we also ought to love one another." We are His followers and as such we attain to be perfect as He is (Matthew 5:48).
Thursday, January 25, 2007
1 John 4:1-6 (Two Spirits)
Chapter 4
Verses 1-6:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."
This beginning of chapter 4 has a lot of parallels with chapter 2 verses 15-23. It could be useful to break down this section of this chapter into four seperate parts. The first thing to consider is that the apostle gives a warning to the faithful that he has given before in chapter 2, warning them of "many false prophets" that "have gone out into the world," in order to preach a false gospel and serve their own errors (v.1b, 3b) Secondly he prescribes how they are to beware, by "test[ing] the spirits" in order to make a distinction between a spirit of truth and a spirit of error (v.1a, 5). Next, John gives an example and points out a particular error, those who do "not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh..." (v. 2-3, 5). Lastly, I will conclude with the last three verses.
Let's consider them closer:
1. The Warning
"...many false prophets have gone out into the world..." It is well known that Satan attempts to pollute and pervert the gospel of Christ, and as I've mentioned before he will do what he can to distract the church and attempt to lead people astray, even the elect (Matthew 24:24), through the use of false prophets. John has now given two warnings about this thus far in this epistle, knowing full well that the problem that plagued the church, even at that time, would continue to plague the church. As he says a few verses later, "this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world." Giving all of those who preach the false gospel, the title of "Antichrist," because they teach something against Christ. Even if it is a half gospel it is a false gospel altogether. So then John admonishes the church to be aware and to know the difference between a spirit of truth and a spirit of error. Discussed in the next part...
2. The Counsel
"Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God." The first thing to consider from this verse is the first part, namely, "Do no believe every spirit..." As a believer we should not be so quick as to accept any doctrine carelessly or thoughtlessly, without any discrimination.
So then we are to "test the spirits, whether they are of God." (spirits being the prophets) How do you "test the spirits" though? John Calvin answers in his commentary:
3. The Example
Next John gives an example of a distinction between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error, and that is, "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not...is not of God." John gives an example of Christ coming in the flesh. Christ being where every false prophet or heretic stumbles. John uses the word "come" as in Jesus is eternal and was with the Father even before creation, "in the flesh," in that He took on flesh and becoame a real man, the same nature as us, but without sin or corruption. And of course we must understand why it is that Christ came in the flesh and who He is, because the life, sacrifice, death, and ressurection of Jesus and His office depends on that. Those who are of the false spirit get this wrong.
4. Concluding Remarks
And knowing all of this, John says, "You are of God...and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." He gives all believer a very hopeful promise, that all believers might boldly resist false prophets. He tells them that they are already conquerors over those antichrists that are in the world, because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), and the victory has been won.
"They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them" (John 15:19, 17:14). Many today have made it quite obvious that they are preaching a false gospel because they wish to please the world, many seeker-sensitive mega-churches fit this description frighteningly well.
"We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not...By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." Most likely referring to John and the rest of the apostles preaching the Word. Though this could be to those who faithfully preach the true gospel of Christ.
And thus the two spirits are to be distinguished, the spirit of truth which leads to eternal life, and the spirit of error which leads to destruction, and so I say with all sincerity..."Test the spirits!"
Verses 1-6:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."
This beginning of chapter 4 has a lot of parallels with chapter 2 verses 15-23. It could be useful to break down this section of this chapter into four seperate parts. The first thing to consider is that the apostle gives a warning to the faithful that he has given before in chapter 2, warning them of "many false prophets" that "have gone out into the world," in order to preach a false gospel and serve their own errors (v.1b, 3b) Secondly he prescribes how they are to beware, by "test[ing] the spirits" in order to make a distinction between a spirit of truth and a spirit of error (v.1a, 5). Next, John gives an example and points out a particular error, those who do "not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh..." (v. 2-3, 5). Lastly, I will conclude with the last three verses.
Let's consider them closer:
1. The Warning
"...many false prophets have gone out into the world..." It is well known that Satan attempts to pollute and pervert the gospel of Christ, and as I've mentioned before he will do what he can to distract the church and attempt to lead people astray, even the elect (Matthew 24:24), through the use of false prophets. John has now given two warnings about this thus far in this epistle, knowing full well that the problem that plagued the church, even at that time, would continue to plague the church. As he says a few verses later, "this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world." Giving all of those who preach the false gospel, the title of "Antichrist," because they teach something against Christ. Even if it is a half gospel it is a false gospel altogether. So then John admonishes the church to be aware and to know the difference between a spirit of truth and a spirit of error. Discussed in the next part...
2. The Counsel
"Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God." The first thing to consider from this verse is the first part, namely, "Do no believe every spirit..." As a believer we should not be so quick as to accept any doctrine carelessly or thoughtlessly, without any discrimination.
So then we are to "test the spirits, whether they are of God." (spirits being the prophets) How do you "test the spirits" though? John Calvin answers in his commentary:
"They who answer, that the word of God is the rule by which everything that men bring forward ought to be tried, say something, but not the whole. I grant that doctrines ought to be tested by God's word; but except the Spirit of wisdom be present, to have God's word in our hands will avail little or nothing, for its meaning will not appear to us; as, for instance, gold is tried by fire or touchstone, but it can only be done by those who understand the art; for neither the touchstone nor the fire can be of any use to the unskilful. that we may then be fit judges, we must necessarily be endowed with and directed by the Spirit of discernment." (John Calvin, commentaries of 1 John, pg.230)And so with every preacher or church this rule should be applied that the Word of God is the determinant on all matters when used with the Spirit's discernment and wisdom.
3. The Example
Next John gives an example of a distinction between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error, and that is, "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not...is not of God." John gives an example of Christ coming in the flesh. Christ being where every false prophet or heretic stumbles. John uses the word "come" as in Jesus is eternal and was with the Father even before creation, "in the flesh," in that He took on flesh and becoame a real man, the same nature as us, but without sin or corruption. And of course we must understand why it is that Christ came in the flesh and who He is, because the life, sacrifice, death, and ressurection of Jesus and His office depends on that. Those who are of the false spirit get this wrong.
4. Concluding Remarks
And knowing all of this, John says, "You are of God...and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." He gives all believer a very hopeful promise, that all believers might boldly resist false prophets. He tells them that they are already conquerors over those antichrists that are in the world, because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), and the victory has been won.
"They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them" (John 15:19, 17:14). Many today have made it quite obvious that they are preaching a false gospel because they wish to please the world, many seeker-sensitive mega-churches fit this description frighteningly well.
"We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not...By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." Most likely referring to John and the rest of the apostles preaching the Word. Though this could be to those who faithfully preach the true gospel of Christ.
And thus the two spirits are to be distinguished, the spirit of truth which leads to eternal life, and the spirit of error which leads to destruction, and so I say with all sincerity..."Test the spirits!"
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
1 John 3:16-24 (Love?)
Chapter 3
Verses 16-24:
"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."
The last blog was verses 10-15, which was the love of the brethren. Now though, John shows us what true love is, by giving the perfect example of Jesus (John 10:11). This is the mark to which John wishes for all Christians to strive for, though unattainable for us to show this kind of love that Chrsit did, we are to follow the example. And so he says, "we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." In John's gospel Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends"(John 15:13).
But our love for one another may not always require us to make such a costly sacrifice, "But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"(v.17). What is required is decision and action as well. As he says in verse 18, "let us not love in word or in tounge, but in deed and in truth." This as well is true for a Christian who professes love for God, but does that "Christian" show it in deed and in truth?
Continuing in verse 19, "by this," meaning by the love of the brethren that he has been speaking of "we know that we are of the truth..." Though keep in mind this is not the foundation on which our salvation rests, it is not as sure as the adoption which is sealed on our hearts by the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The apostle further explains: "by this" we also "assure our hearts before Him." A genuine assurance before God we cannot have unless His Spirit produces in us the fruit of love towards our brothers and sisters.
Verse 20, "If our heart codemns us..." Those who profess Christianity do it in vain if they do not have the testimony of a good conscience, and if their "heart codemns" them when love of the brethren is brought to their attention. "God is greater than our heart, and knows all things," (Speaking of judgment) how much more will God, who searches deeper and more severely, codemn those whose "heart codemns" them (1 Cor. 4:4-5, Proverb 16:2).
On the other hand, "if our heart does not codemn us, we have confidence toward God." As we know that no heart will be pure before God, but if we bring before Him a testimony of a heart conscious of what is right and honest, "we have confidence toward God" (Eph 3:12).
In verse 22, "whatever we ask we receive from Him..." Now there are of course some out there that will use this verse and others (John 14:13-14) to say, "pray for anything and you'll get whatever your [fleshly] heart desires." Do note though that it says later in this same epistle, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (1 John 5:14-15 emphasis added). Also to finish off the rest of the verse it continues to say, "because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." This is for those who rightly worship and fear the Lord that will be heard in their prayers, the prayers of the ungodly and reprobate are not heard by God.
Then John gives what the commandment is, "that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment."
And lastly verse 24, is a reoccuring theme throughout (1 John 2:3-6), for the sake of not making this blog much longer, I will leave you to either check out my blog on that or get a good commentary on it.
Verses 16-24:
"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."
The last blog was verses 10-15, which was the love of the brethren. Now though, John shows us what true love is, by giving the perfect example of Jesus (John 10:11). This is the mark to which John wishes for all Christians to strive for, though unattainable for us to show this kind of love that Chrsit did, we are to follow the example. And so he says, "we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." In John's gospel Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends"(John 15:13).
But our love for one another may not always require us to make such a costly sacrifice, "But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"(v.17). What is required is decision and action as well. As he says in verse 18, "let us not love in word or in tounge, but in deed and in truth." This as well is true for a Christian who professes love for God, but does that "Christian" show it in deed and in truth?
Continuing in verse 19, "by this," meaning by the love of the brethren that he has been speaking of "we know that we are of the truth..." Though keep in mind this is not the foundation on which our salvation rests, it is not as sure as the adoption which is sealed on our hearts by the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The apostle further explains: "by this" we also "assure our hearts before Him." A genuine assurance before God we cannot have unless His Spirit produces in us the fruit of love towards our brothers and sisters.
Verse 20, "If our heart codemns us..." Those who profess Christianity do it in vain if they do not have the testimony of a good conscience, and if their "heart codemns" them when love of the brethren is brought to their attention. "God is greater than our heart, and knows all things," (Speaking of judgment) how much more will God, who searches deeper and more severely, codemn those whose "heart codemns" them (1 Cor. 4:4-5, Proverb 16:2).
On the other hand, "if our heart does not codemn us, we have confidence toward God." As we know that no heart will be pure before God, but if we bring before Him a testimony of a heart conscious of what is right and honest, "we have confidence toward God" (Eph 3:12).
In verse 22, "whatever we ask we receive from Him..." Now there are of course some out there that will use this verse and others (John 14:13-14) to say, "pray for anything and you'll get whatever your [fleshly] heart desires." Do note though that it says later in this same epistle, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (1 John 5:14-15 emphasis added). Also to finish off the rest of the verse it continues to say, "because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." This is for those who rightly worship and fear the Lord that will be heard in their prayers, the prayers of the ungodly and reprobate are not heard by God.
Then John gives what the commandment is, "that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment."
And lastly verse 24, is a reoccuring theme throughout (1 John 2:3-6), for the sake of not making this blog much longer, I will leave you to either check out my blog on that or get a good commentary on it.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
1 John 3:10-15 (Love of the Brethren)
Chapter 3
Verses 10-15:
"In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."
In verse 10 it uses this word "manifest", to be evident or known. So drawing from the previous verses, verses 7-9 John draws the conclusion that "in this" or "by this" the "children of God and the children of the devil are made [evident and known]." Then the apostle repeats what he has basically been making very clear throughout the epistle, that, "whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God." Thus making it very clear that righteousness and walking in His commandments as far as human weakness is able, is clear evidence of our divine adoption.
Then adding to this, John says, "nor is he who does not love his brother." Not that this is some new thing that has just come up as he says it, but it "is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." Jesus says...
John 13:34-35:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 15:12-13:
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."
Which sounds alot like John in this epistle when he talks about laying down your life for the brethren (v.16).
This was nothing new, Christians have known this from the beginning, the whole law is based on the love of God and the love of your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39, Luke 10:27). But I will speak of the outworkings of love and what love for the brethren is in the next blog, Lordwilling.
Verse 12, "not as Cain who was of the wicked one..." The reprobate, or unbelievers, are children of the devil (Ephesians 2:2-3), as Cain was, and hatred reigns supreme in their heart. John gives this example to further his point in the next line "Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you." John says Cain's "works were evil," the same as "the world," and that his brother's (Abel's) were "righteous," or that he was a child of God. Thus, Cain hated Abel = The reprobate hate the children of God.
Verse 14, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." The love of the brethren or the people of God is one clear sign that you are an adopted child of God and vice versa.
John then says something that could be shocking to many, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." John is not saying anything that hasn't already been said (Matthew 5:21-22). Hatred of the brethren is linked to murder.
"Envy, malice, ill-will and bitterness
of spirit are the very reverse of the
real essence of Christianity.
Verses 10-15:
"In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."
In verse 10 it uses this word "manifest", to be evident or known. So drawing from the previous verses, verses 7-9 John draws the conclusion that "in this" or "by this" the "children of God and the children of the devil are made [evident and known]." Then the apostle repeats what he has basically been making very clear throughout the epistle, that, "whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God." Thus making it very clear that righteousness and walking in His commandments as far as human weakness is able, is clear evidence of our divine adoption.
Then adding to this, John says, "nor is he who does not love his brother." Not that this is some new thing that has just come up as he says it, but it "is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." Jesus says...
John 13:34-35:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 15:12-13:
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."
Which sounds alot like John in this epistle when he talks about laying down your life for the brethren (v.16).
This was nothing new, Christians have known this from the beginning, the whole law is based on the love of God and the love of your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39, Luke 10:27). But I will speak of the outworkings of love and what love for the brethren is in the next blog, Lordwilling.
Verse 12, "not as Cain who was of the wicked one..." The reprobate, or unbelievers, are children of the devil (Ephesians 2:2-3), as Cain was, and hatred reigns supreme in their heart. John gives this example to further his point in the next line "Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you." John says Cain's "works were evil," the same as "the world," and that his brother's (Abel's) were "righteous," or that he was a child of God. Thus, Cain hated Abel = The reprobate hate the children of God.
Verse 14, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." The love of the brethren or the people of God is one clear sign that you are an adopted child of God and vice versa.
John then says something that could be shocking to many, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." John is not saying anything that hasn't already been said (Matthew 5:21-22). Hatred of the brethren is linked to murder.
"Envy, malice, ill-will and bitterness
of spirit are the very reverse of the
real essence of Christianity.
Love is the sum and temper
and spirit of Christianity.
An envious Christian, a malicious
Christian, a cold and hard-hearted
Christian, is the greatest absurdity
and contradiction."
-Jonathan Edwards-
Monday, January 22, 2007
1 John 3:4-9 (Anti-Antinomianism)
Chapter 3
Verses 4-9:
"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God."
"Antinomianism means to be 'opposed to law.' These views deny that God's law in scripture should directly control the Christian's life...A 'spiritual' antinomianism puts such trust in the Holy Spirit's inward prompting as to deny any need to be taught by the law how to live. Freedom from the law as a way of salvation is assumed to bring with it freedom from the law as a guide to conduct...Another kind of antinomianism begins from the point that God does not see the sin in believers, because they are in Christ, who kept the law for them. From this they draw the false conclusion that their behavior makes no difference, provided they keep on believing." (Reformation Study Bible, cf. 3:7)
Seems contradictory to what 1 John has been saying so far, but for the sake of correct doctrine and truth, I think it's very important that I acknowledge this subject. Especially in light of how it is a growing idea in a lot of churches and amongst many dispensationalists.
From the passage above from verses 4-9 we see the word "lawlessness" as opposed to "righteousness" throughout. The inference here is that the perverse life of those who wish to indulge in their own pleasures and sin, are hateful to God, and are not born of Him, because this is contrary to God's law. To "commit sin" in this sense is not to say that the believer is pure and perfect, this would be to fall into the opposite ditch of the one I am attempting to refute, but it is in this case one who persistently sins (John 8:34), one who is a slave to sin (Romans 6:17). The believer on the other hand desires to obey God's law, and abhor their own sins. "Whoever abides in Him does not sin."
In verse 7 it continues to make the point pretty obvious, "He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is rightoues." Then continuing to verse 8, "He who sins is of the devil...". As John Calvin very wisely puts it on verse 6 (but I believe it works well for 6 and 7):
For further defense we only have to look back a couple verses (1 John 1:6, 2:3-5, 3:4-9). Where when we look closely at the verses it is abundantly clear that those who live lawlessly and who shun obedience and the Lordship of Christ are deceivers and false teachers. In the past I have attempted to look around using harsh words to describe those who teach it and to continue to count them as brothers, but the more and more I read over the Bible and especially 1 John I can not but describe them in that way, such as John does.
I do pray that those who teach it would repent of their error and submit to Jesus as their lord and their savior.
For more on antinomianism, check out my roommate's blog:
http://jmounts.blogspot.com/2007/01/defense-against-antinomianism.html
Verses 4-9:
"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God."
"Antinomianism means to be 'opposed to law.' These views deny that God's law in scripture should directly control the Christian's life...A 'spiritual' antinomianism puts such trust in the Holy Spirit's inward prompting as to deny any need to be taught by the law how to live. Freedom from the law as a way of salvation is assumed to bring with it freedom from the law as a guide to conduct...Another kind of antinomianism begins from the point that God does not see the sin in believers, because they are in Christ, who kept the law for them. From this they draw the false conclusion that their behavior makes no difference, provided they keep on believing." (Reformation Study Bible, cf. 3:7)
Seems contradictory to what 1 John has been saying so far, but for the sake of correct doctrine and truth, I think it's very important that I acknowledge this subject. Especially in light of how it is a growing idea in a lot of churches and amongst many dispensationalists.
From the passage above from verses 4-9 we see the word "lawlessness" as opposed to "righteousness" throughout. The inference here is that the perverse life of those who wish to indulge in their own pleasures and sin, are hateful to God, and are not born of Him, because this is contrary to God's law. To "commit sin" in this sense is not to say that the believer is pure and perfect, this would be to fall into the opposite ditch of the one I am attempting to refute, but it is in this case one who persistently sins (John 8:34), one who is a slave to sin (Romans 6:17). The believer on the other hand desires to obey God's law, and abhor their own sins. "Whoever abides in Him does not sin."
In verse 7 it continues to make the point pretty obvious, "He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is rightoues." Then continuing to verse 8, "He who sins is of the devil...". As John Calvin very wisely puts it on verse 6 (but I believe it works well for 6 and 7):
"He, therefore, immediately draws this inference that they sin not who remain in Christ. For if [Christ] dwells in us by faith, he performs His own work, that is, he cleanses us from sins...not perfectly renewing us at once, or in an instant, but He continues our renovation throughout life...In the meantime [believers] are designated according to the prevailing principle, that is, they are said to be righteous and to live righteously, because they sincerly aspire to righteousness." (Calvin Commentaries on 1 John, pg. 209)Verse 8 tells us that "he who sins", including those who believe that they can be saved and live lawlessly, "is of the devil, for the devil has sinned (practiced 'lawlessness') from the beginning...".
For further defense we only have to look back a couple verses (1 John 1:6, 2:3-5, 3:4-9). Where when we look closely at the verses it is abundantly clear that those who live lawlessly and who shun obedience and the Lordship of Christ are deceivers and false teachers. In the past I have attempted to look around using harsh words to describe those who teach it and to continue to count them as brothers, but the more and more I read over the Bible and especially 1 John I can not but describe them in that way, such as John does.
I do pray that those who teach it would repent of their error and submit to Jesus as their lord and their savior.
For more on antinomianism, check out my roommate's blog:
http://jmounts.blogspot.com/2007/01/defense-against-antinomianism.html
Thursday, January 18, 2007
1 John 3:1-3 (Children of God)
Chapter 3
Verses 1-3:
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
Verse 1 the use of the word "behold" is significant in the fact that throughout scripture when this word is used it signifies an importance, and it is followed with a great truth or something that must be known. "What manner of love the Father has bestowed on us..." later in this epistle that love is shown in these words:
1 John 4:9-10:
"In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
While we deserved the hatred of God, He showed us love. The importance of this doctrine is the furthering the truth that we are not justified by our works, but by the "love the Father has bestowed on us."
"That we should be called the children of God!" We are made the children of God by His grace alone. See note on verse 2 for more reference to this.
"Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." As Jesus says in John 15:18: "If the world hates you, you know that it hate Me before it hated you." The point is to the world may not look at us as the sons of God, and we may be opressed by the world, still our salvation remains safe and secure.
Verse 2 "Beloved, now we are the children of God..." Adoption is what occurs after our justification, we are then deemed the children of God, John 1:12 says this: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." Meaning this Romans 8:16-17, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." So then we become "joint heirs with Christ" in the Kingdom of Heaven.
"It has not yet been revealed what we shall be..." not knowing the whole fruit of our adoption yet, for it is in heaven we will be heirs but while we are on earth we cannot imagine heaven. For the rest of the verse I want to refer to Colossians 3:3-4, " For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." And so our call is to wait patiently for the return of Christ and for all things to be revealed to us.
"We shall be like Him..." Is not to say that we will in any way be equal to Him, but we will be conformed to His image, He will make our sinful body to be comformed to His glorious body
Philippians 3:21:
"Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."
Verse 3, "This hope..." The promise of His appearing fills believers, not with apprehension, but with confidence.
1 John 4:17:
"Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world."
1 Thessalonians 5:2,4:
"For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night...But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief."
So the believer has no fear of the return of Christ like the wicked do (and don't know it yet), but we await that day patiently.
Verses 1-3:
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
Verse 1 the use of the word "behold" is significant in the fact that throughout scripture when this word is used it signifies an importance, and it is followed with a great truth or something that must be known. "What manner of love the Father has bestowed on us..." later in this epistle that love is shown in these words:
1 John 4:9-10:
"In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
While we deserved the hatred of God, He showed us love. The importance of this doctrine is the furthering the truth that we are not justified by our works, but by the "love the Father has bestowed on us."
"That we should be called the children of God!" We are made the children of God by His grace alone. See note on verse 2 for more reference to this.
"Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." As Jesus says in John 15:18: "If the world hates you, you know that it hate Me before it hated you." The point is to the world may not look at us as the sons of God, and we may be opressed by the world, still our salvation remains safe and secure.
Verse 2 "Beloved, now we are the children of God..." Adoption is what occurs after our justification, we are then deemed the children of God, John 1:12 says this: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." Meaning this Romans 8:16-17, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." So then we become "joint heirs with Christ" in the Kingdom of Heaven.
"It has not yet been revealed what we shall be..." not knowing the whole fruit of our adoption yet, for it is in heaven we will be heirs but while we are on earth we cannot imagine heaven. For the rest of the verse I want to refer to Colossians 3:3-4, " For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." And so our call is to wait patiently for the return of Christ and for all things to be revealed to us.
"We shall be like Him..." Is not to say that we will in any way be equal to Him, but we will be conformed to His image, He will make our sinful body to be comformed to His glorious body
Philippians 3:21:
"Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."
Verse 3, "This hope..." The promise of His appearing fills believers, not with apprehension, but with confidence.
1 John 4:17:
"Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world."
1 Thessalonians 5:2,4:
"For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night...But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief."
So the believer has no fear of the return of Christ like the wicked do (and don't know it yet), but we await that day patiently.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
1 John 2:24-29 (Let Truth Abide in You)
Chapter 2
Verses 24-29:
"Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him."
In verse 24 John begins by telling them if what they have "heard from the beginning," the true gospel of Christ, continues to "abide" in them then they "also will abide in the Son and in the Father." John points out to them the fruit they would receive from obedience.
Verse 25, and if we "abide in the Son and in the Father," then what follows is the promise that many professors seem to forget, "This is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life." As though this life now were of better value than of the one to come. It almost seems as though glorification and eternal life are lost subjects to some, to many it is the pursuit of cars, clothes, popularity and selfish gains, rather than a pursuit of Christ and the life to come to fellowship eternally with Him.
In verse 26, I like what John Calvin writes on a part of this in his commentary:
Verse 28, is almost self-explanatory, if we "abide in Him," by continuing to trust in the gospel message, then those who do "abide in Him," will have no fear of codemnation when Christ comes at the end of the age, and will "have confidence and not be ashamed before Him."
Then the last verse of chapter 2, verse 29, "If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practice righteousness is born of Him." Once again the apostle links faith to obedience, they are inseperable, in that faith will bring about obedience to the Christ that you say you love and cherish. And so to conclude the chapter, it brings us back to the point of the beginning of the chapter, verses 3-4, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
Verses 24-29:
"Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him."
In verse 24 John begins by telling them if what they have "heard from the beginning," the true gospel of Christ, continues to "abide" in them then they "also will abide in the Son and in the Father." John points out to them the fruit they would receive from obedience.
Verse 25, and if we "abide in the Son and in the Father," then what follows is the promise that many professors seem to forget, "This is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life." As though this life now were of better value than of the one to come. It almost seems as though glorification and eternal life are lost subjects to some, to many it is the pursuit of cars, clothes, popularity and selfish gains, rather than a pursuit of Christ and the life to come to fellowship eternally with Him.
In verse 26, I like what John Calvin writes on a part of this in his commentary:
"When we hear that he wrote concerning seducers, we ought always to bear in mind, that it is the duty of a good and diligent pastor not only to gather a flock, but also to drive away wolves: for what will it avail to proclaim the pure gospel, if we connive at the impostures of Satan? No one, then, can faithfully teach the Church, except he is diligent in banishing errors whenever he finds them spread by seducers." (Commentary on 1 John, pg. 199)Verse 27, "you do not need that anyone teach you." Of course like many scripture passage when completely taken on its own, this one liner right here could have many/ and did have many false prophets saying that there is no need to minister to anyone. But in context of the Bible it is that believers have an illumination from God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. "It is no contradiction that we should listen receptively to other believers, especially when they admonish and instruct us. The also have the Spirit..." (Reformation Study Bible v.27). So then believers here are not being taught something that they didn't already know, because in order for them to be believers they had to have come to a knowledge of the truth. It is a call to an examination of the Spirit, who is the only correcteor and approver of doctrine, "...the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie..."
Verse 28, is almost self-explanatory, if we "abide in Him," by continuing to trust in the gospel message, then those who do "abide in Him," will have no fear of codemnation when Christ comes at the end of the age, and will "have confidence and not be ashamed before Him."
Then the last verse of chapter 2, verse 29, "If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practice righteousness is born of Him." Once again the apostle links faith to obedience, they are inseperable, in that faith will bring about obedience to the Christ that you say you love and cherish. And so to conclude the chapter, it brings us back to the point of the beginning of the chapter, verses 3-4, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
1 John 2:18-23 (Antichrists)
Chapter 2
Verses 18-23:
"Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also."
Once again similar to verses 12-14 when John refers to "little children" he is not referring to actual little children in the church, but to the whole church (just figured I'd get the obvious out of the way).
"It is the last hour" This last hour is not specified as to an amount of time, no matter how long this hour extends to it is the time between Christ's 1st and 2nd coming. So then John is not writing to them because they were living in the last days (though they could have been), at least knowing what we do in this day Christ obviously didn't come again in their life time. But John did intend that Christ's coming was imminent, there was chance of it happening at any moment. John's warning here is that in this "last hour" Satan would be attempting to cause confusion with "antichrists", and to not be distracted by this and to always be looking attentively for Christ in the case He should come upon them(us) suddenly.
"...the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come..." This is seen by many as many "antichrists" throughout history followed by a final "Antichrist". Though it would be better to assume that John was already referring to the "Antichrist" of that time and of the times to come (cf. vv.22 and 4:3). 1 John 4:3 states, " and every spirit that does not confess thatJesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world." So then,"Antichrist" may be more of a title or a name and better understood as anyone who fits these descriptions.
In any case it is a clear warning from all of the apostles that there will indeed be "antichrists" in the last hour, and so there is no room for ignorance for any who go astray and follow these "antichrists" and their teachings.
Verse 19, "They went out from us, but they were not of us." Visible membership in the Church doesn't guarantee salvation. False teachers and converts reveal their hostility towards the gospel not just by leaving the church, but by how they leave. Because they go out to oppose the gospel and to teach a false one. "They went out from" the Church because they were never of the Church, so then these that go out are not believers to begin with.
From verse 20 to 21, the apostle explains to them that "you have an anointing" so that these believers may not think that John was speaking of them, but to instruct them of the way to discipline thier church and reprove. They are "anointed" by Christ for this duty to be on watch for false christs.
Verse 22, "who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?" This is the "antichrist", and this is not just someone just outright says it but someone who leaves out certain details, such as Christ being fully God and fully man. Those who deny His offices of Prophet, Priest and Prince.
Verse 23 makes it abundantly clear that those who "deny the Son does not have the Father either," and so the Jew and the Muslim and others all worship a god but it is in vain apart from the knowledge of Jesus the Christ Son of God. As Jesus says himself in John 14:6 states, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
And with that I'll leave you with a good quote by a good man,
Verses 18-23:
"Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also."
Once again similar to verses 12-14 when John refers to "little children" he is not referring to actual little children in the church, but to the whole church (just figured I'd get the obvious out of the way).
"It is the last hour" This last hour is not specified as to an amount of time, no matter how long this hour extends to it is the time between Christ's 1st and 2nd coming. So then John is not writing to them because they were living in the last days (though they could have been), at least knowing what we do in this day Christ obviously didn't come again in their life time. But John did intend that Christ's coming was imminent, there was chance of it happening at any moment. John's warning here is that in this "last hour" Satan would be attempting to cause confusion with "antichrists", and to not be distracted by this and to always be looking attentively for Christ in the case He should come upon them(us) suddenly.
"...the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come..." This is seen by many as many "antichrists" throughout history followed by a final "Antichrist". Though it would be better to assume that John was already referring to the "Antichrist" of that time and of the times to come (cf. vv.22 and 4:3). 1 John 4:3 states, " and every spirit that does not confess thatJesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world." So then,"Antichrist" may be more of a title or a name and better understood as anyone who fits these descriptions.
In any case it is a clear warning from all of the apostles that there will indeed be "antichrists" in the last hour, and so there is no room for ignorance for any who go astray and follow these "antichrists" and their teachings.
Verse 19, "They went out from us, but they were not of us." Visible membership in the Church doesn't guarantee salvation. False teachers and converts reveal their hostility towards the gospel not just by leaving the church, but by how they leave. Because they go out to oppose the gospel and to teach a false one. "They went out from" the Church because they were never of the Church, so then these that go out are not believers to begin with.
From verse 20 to 21, the apostle explains to them that "you have an anointing" so that these believers may not think that John was speaking of them, but to instruct them of the way to discipline thier church and reprove. They are "anointed" by Christ for this duty to be on watch for false christs.
Verse 22, "who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?" This is the "antichrist", and this is not just someone just outright says it but someone who leaves out certain details, such as Christ being fully God and fully man. Those who deny His offices of Prophet, Priest and Prince.
Verse 23 makes it abundantly clear that those who "deny the Son does not have the Father either," and so the Jew and the Muslim and others all worship a god but it is in vain apart from the knowledge of Jesus the Christ Son of God. As Jesus says himself in John 14:6 states, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
And with that I'll leave you with a good quote by a good man,
"As the light of the sun comes to us by its rays, so the knowledge of God has been communicated through Christ." -John Calvin-
Friday, January 12, 2007
1 John 2:15-17 (Do Not Love the World)
Chapter 2
Verses 15-17
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
I must admit I never realized that the phrase "Be in the world but not of the world," is not a Biblical verse. Then again the phrase is completely accurate.
With verse 15 ("Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.") I must briefly state that in the case of a believer the created "world," which God has created is meant to be enjoyed (i.e. food, marriage).
1 Timothy 4:1b-5:
"...some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."
1 Timothy 6:17:
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
Note the latter verse here also gives an example of the things of this world which men chase after and put all their hope in, neglecting the obvious fact that even if they don't believe in God it will be of no use once dead.
To be of the world is a great problem in the church of America. Many are concerned with their clothes, money, cars, relationships, etc. And with these interests being what attracts most people its no wonder many pastors have strayed from the faith, abandoning the gospel of Christ and pleasing the interests of men rather than those of God.
Galatians 1:10:
"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ."
Things such as money, food, sex, and other things can be used for the glory of God. But when abused it becomes the god you worship. Jesus says in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (money)."
So then the end of verse 15 makes sense, "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Because one cannot serve two masters, if one loves money then they do not love Christ and the love of the Father is not in them.
Verse 16 gives a brief discription of what it means to be of the "world."
Then verse 17 finishes by making the point, that "the world is passing away, and the lust of it...", so then all things that men put their hopes in will vanish and it will not be their bank account that will save them from the wrath that awaits all those who do not put their hope in God.
"...but he who does the will of God abides forevers." The promise and the hope that the believer has is that they understand that this world is passing away, so when money is gone and food is gone and sex and television is gone, Christ will be the only thing remaining and for those who believe, it will be all that they ever wanted. And they will abide with Him forever. God be praised.
Verses 15-17
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
I must admit I never realized that the phrase "Be in the world but not of the world," is not a Biblical verse. Then again the phrase is completely accurate.
With verse 15 ("Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.") I must briefly state that in the case of a believer the created "world," which God has created is meant to be enjoyed (i.e. food, marriage).
1 Timothy 4:1b-5:
"...some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."
1 Timothy 6:17:
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
Note the latter verse here also gives an example of the things of this world which men chase after and put all their hope in, neglecting the obvious fact that even if they don't believe in God it will be of no use once dead.
To be of the world is a great problem in the church of America. Many are concerned with their clothes, money, cars, relationships, etc. And with these interests being what attracts most people its no wonder many pastors have strayed from the faith, abandoning the gospel of Christ and pleasing the interests of men rather than those of God.
Galatians 1:10:
"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ."
Things such as money, food, sex, and other things can be used for the glory of God. But when abused it becomes the god you worship. Jesus says in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (money)."
So then the end of verse 15 makes sense, "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Because one cannot serve two masters, if one loves money then they do not love Christ and the love of the Father is not in them.
Verse 16 gives a brief discription of what it means to be of the "world."
Then verse 17 finishes by making the point, that "the world is passing away, and the lust of it...", so then all things that men put their hopes in will vanish and it will not be their bank account that will save them from the wrath that awaits all those who do not put their hope in God.
"...but he who does the will of God abides forevers." The promise and the hope that the believer has is that they understand that this world is passing away, so when money is gone and food is gone and sex and television is gone, Christ will be the only thing remaining and for those who believe, it will be all that they ever wanted. And they will abide with Him forever. God be praised.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
1 John 2:12-14 (Spiritual State)
Chapter 2
Verses 12-14:
"I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. "
To begin, I think it would be important to understand what is meant by "fathers" "little children" and "young men." It would be hard to believe that John is addressing three different groups separately because he addresses all these things to the whole church in other contexts. So it would be best to explain these three different groups as one group described in three different ways, and applying to the entire church.
He calls them "little children" because their "sins are forgiven," and they have been welcomed into the family of God.
They are "fathers" because of their knowledge of God in Jesus Christ "from the beginning," and they are qualified to pass that knowledge down to future generations.
They are "young men" because their decisive rejection and their "overcoming the wicked one,"
like that of Christ, who fought with Satan in the desert and won (Matt 4:1-11).
This part of the second chapter is a look at the spiritual state of these believers. I believe John recognizes these things of the believers to remind them of the statement in 1 John 2:1 would be true: "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin." John seems to remind the believers here of their state with God through Christ. I think it correct to assume that this section of the letter is written to give motivation to fight sin, which could be the reason it is restated in somewhat of a repetitious manner, so that the truth of it would sink into these believers. The last part of verse 14 states:
" I write to you..." because "word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one."
So then be of good cheer for you have overcome the wicked one as Jesus has overcome the wicked one.
John 10:27-29:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."
Verses 12-14:
"I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. "
To begin, I think it would be important to understand what is meant by "fathers" "little children" and "young men." It would be hard to believe that John is addressing three different groups separately because he addresses all these things to the whole church in other contexts. So it would be best to explain these three different groups as one group described in three different ways, and applying to the entire church.
He calls them "little children" because their "sins are forgiven," and they have been welcomed into the family of God.
They are "fathers" because of their knowledge of God in Jesus Christ "from the beginning," and they are qualified to pass that knowledge down to future generations.
They are "young men" because their decisive rejection and their "overcoming the wicked one,"
like that of Christ, who fought with Satan in the desert and won (Matt 4:1-11).
This part of the second chapter is a look at the spiritual state of these believers. I believe John recognizes these things of the believers to remind them of the statement in 1 John 2:1 would be true: "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin." John seems to remind the believers here of their state with God through Christ. I think it correct to assume that this section of the letter is written to give motivation to fight sin, which could be the reason it is restated in somewhat of a repetitious manner, so that the truth of it would sink into these believers. The last part of verse 14 states:
" I write to you..." because "word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one."
So then be of good cheer for you have overcome the wicked one as Jesus has overcome the wicked one.
John 10:27-29:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."
Thursday, January 04, 2007
1 John 2:7-11 (Old and New)
Chapter 2
Verses 7-11:
"Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
Verses 7 and 8 are linked in that the commandment of God in Christ is “old” and “new.” An “old commandment” in that it dates back to the dawn of the Christian era, all believers have had this command “from the beginning*,” from when Jesus began His teaching. At the same time it is a “new commandment” (v.8) in that it is continually reapplied in new acts of love, with their source in Him and their outworking “in you.”
John 13:34:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
*"From the beginning" is sometimes used by John as the beginning of all things (cf. v. 12, 14 and 1:1). In this case though he refers to the beginning of the Christian movement in the life and teaching of Christ (cf. v. 24).
Love belongs to the realm of “light,” as over against “darkness.” So…
In verses 9-11 speaks of love for the “brother,” which Jesus gave as a commandment to His disciples just before His death. Later in this epistle:
1 John 3:14:
"We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death."
Verses 7-11:
"Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
Verses 7 and 8 are linked in that the commandment of God in Christ is “old” and “new.” An “old commandment” in that it dates back to the dawn of the Christian era, all believers have had this command “from the beginning*,” from when Jesus began His teaching. At the same time it is a “new commandment” (v.8) in that it is continually reapplied in new acts of love, with their source in Him and their outworking “in you.”
John 13:34:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
*"From the beginning" is sometimes used by John as the beginning of all things (cf. v. 12, 14 and 1:1). In this case though he refers to the beginning of the Christian movement in the life and teaching of Christ (cf. v. 24).
Love belongs to the realm of “light,” as over against “darkness.” So…
In verses 9-11 speaks of love for the “brother,” which Jesus gave as a commandment to His disciples just before His death. Later in this epistle:
1 John 3:14:
"We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death."
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
1 John 2:3-6 (The Test)
Chapter 2...
Verses 3-6:
"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
Verse 3 continues the idea that to “know that we have come to know Him,” is “if we keep His commandments.” A Christian is obedient to Christ, obedient to His law and commands. It is how “we know” that we “know Him.” This furthers the argument that 1 John 1:9 is not at all a license to sin.
Throughout the scriptures to “know” someone is a close communion and love, it is the same Greek word used for Joseph not “knowing” (in an intimate way) Mary until after Jesus’ birth in Matt. 1:25. And to “know” or to love and have close communion with Christ is to keep his commandments.
Verse 4. So then if someone says, “I know Him” but “but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” This is not exactly for you to start thinking, “well, he doesn’t seem to keep Jesus’ commands, so he must be a liar and not a Christian.” Humility goes a long way in not taking these verses and automatically start thinking of people you know and pointing fingers at their shortcomings. Consider yourselves for a moment, 2 Cor. 13:5 doesn’t exactly say examine others.
In verse 5, “but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” This knowing of Christ is called “perfected” love. Not because it makes us personally sinless, but because it is irrevocably established in those who live by it.
Verse 6, John assumes his readers have the knowledge of Christ from the Gospels, that they know enough about His life and his purposes. It is a call to “walk in the same way in which He walked.” To follow Him in a life obedience as their Lord and their Savior.
This section and others of course, are warnings to those that think they know the truth and yet walk contrary to it. A warning against manufacturing a false Christ in their mind. So then know the scriptures, understand the person of Jesus, and follow the commands He gives, then you will “know” that you “know Him”.
To be continued...
Verses 3-6:
"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
Verse 3 continues the idea that to “know that we have come to know Him,” is “if we keep His commandments.” A Christian is obedient to Christ, obedient to His law and commands. It is how “we know” that we “know Him.” This furthers the argument that 1 John 1:9 is not at all a license to sin.
Throughout the scriptures to “know” someone is a close communion and love, it is the same Greek word used for Joseph not “knowing” (in an intimate way) Mary until after Jesus’ birth in Matt. 1:25. And to “know” or to love and have close communion with Christ is to keep his commandments.
Verse 4. So then if someone says, “I know Him” but “but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” This is not exactly for you to start thinking, “well, he doesn’t seem to keep Jesus’ commands, so he must be a liar and not a Christian.” Humility goes a long way in not taking these verses and automatically start thinking of people you know and pointing fingers at their shortcomings. Consider yourselves for a moment, 2 Cor. 13:5 doesn’t exactly say examine others.
In verse 5, “but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” This knowing of Christ is called “perfected” love. Not because it makes us personally sinless, but because it is irrevocably established in those who live by it.
Verse 6, John assumes his readers have the knowledge of Christ from the Gospels, that they know enough about His life and his purposes. It is a call to “walk in the same way in which He walked.” To follow Him in a life obedience as their Lord and their Savior.
This section and others of course, are warnings to those that think they know the truth and yet walk contrary to it. A warning against manufacturing a false Christ in their mind. So then know the scriptures, understand the person of Jesus, and follow the commands He gives, then you will “know” that you “know Him”.
To be continued...
Monday, January 01, 2007
1 John 2:1-2 (The Propitiation)
Chapter 2...
Verses 1-2:
"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
The second chapter starts off continuing with the idea of the first. John begins by stating, “I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.” Because inevitably people would try (and do) to use 1 John 1:9 as a license to sin. John wants the reader to respond to God’s mercy with a life of obedience to God. As 2 John 1:6 says, “This is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.”
Obviously being obedient is to walk in truth as described in chapter 1 and to disobey God is to walk in darkness, and not know the truth.
John continues, “but if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” The greek word for “Advocate” is parakletos = a “helper”, such as an attorney in a legal matter, who will plead our case for us. (Heb. 7:25 and 9:24 will help to shed light on that). “Jesus Christ the righteous” is presented as the sacrifice, advocate, and example.
" He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
A propitiation is a sacrifice to God meant to take away the enmity brought by sin between God and the worshiper. Only Christ can be an effective propitiation. Earlier in Romans 3:25-26 it is worded like this:
"Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."
He is not just the propitiation for our sins (referring to John and his immediate community that he is writing to), but the propitiation is valid anywhere in the world. A sacrifice which requires no addition or supplement.
John 1:29:
"The next day [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'
I didn't want to make this overly extensive so I will continue with Chapter 2, Lordwilling, in the coming blogs.
Verses 1-2:
"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
The second chapter starts off continuing with the idea of the first. John begins by stating, “I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.” Because inevitably people would try (and do) to use 1 John 1:9 as a license to sin. John wants the reader to respond to God’s mercy with a life of obedience to God. As 2 John 1:6 says, “This is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.”
Obviously being obedient is to walk in truth as described in chapter 1 and to disobey God is to walk in darkness, and not know the truth.
John continues, “but if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” The greek word for “Advocate” is parakletos = a “helper”, such as an attorney in a legal matter, who will plead our case for us. (Heb. 7:25 and 9:24 will help to shed light on that). “Jesus Christ the righteous” is presented as the sacrifice, advocate, and example.
" He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
A propitiation is a sacrifice to God meant to take away the enmity brought by sin between God and the worshiper. Only Christ can be an effective propitiation. Earlier in Romans 3:25-26 it is worded like this:
"Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."
He is not just the propitiation for our sins (referring to John and his immediate community that he is writing to), but the propitiation is valid anywhere in the world. A sacrifice which requires no addition or supplement.
John 1:29:
"The next day [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'
I didn't want to make this overly extensive so I will continue with Chapter 2, Lordwilling, in the coming blogs.
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