John wrote his first epistle to counter false teachers in the church. First, these false teachers deny that Jesus is the Christ, and also the divinity and humanity of Jesus. Second, they also boast that they are able to not sin, and they are Christians, but their lives deny these boasts.
Read MoreGod’s word assures us that that we who are true believers “are God’s children now.” However, we still have the sinful nature in us at war against the new righteous nature that the Holy Spirit has given us. So we strive with all our might and the power of the Spirit to live holy, righteous and godly lives in obedience to God’s laws.
Read MoreAll our treasures on earth will be eaten away by moth and rust and decay. What things on earth will be in heaven? Nothing except those who do the will of God in his word; those who love their brothers and sisters in Christ; and those who do not love the things in the world, but love God’s promise of dwelling in heaven and delighting in all things there forever.
Read MoreJohn calls all unbelievers “antichrists” because they all deny the full humanity and full divinity of Jesus. They either believe that Jesus is only God or only man, not both. John’s doctrine of Christ also means that all the world’s religions—including liberal churches—and all the world’s cults, are antichrists.
Read MoreFirst, fellowship with the Incarnate Word; second, living in the light of the Word; and third, resisting sin by being in the Word. These are the only ways we can have joyful fellowship with God and Christ. We must take sin seriously because we are sinful by nature. All, no exceptions. Even us true Christians in the church. What are we to do? We must acknowledge our sinful nature and confess of our sins. When we do so, God assures us that he forgives and forgets. Faithful and just: this is his nature. He is true to his promises.
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