LOVING THE BRETHREN Generally speaking, it is easier to love that which is near and seen than that which is far away and unseen. Earlier, John had said, "No one has seen God at any time (verse 12). It is important to remember that man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Christians sho... [ Continue Reading ]
KEEPING ON KEEPING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS If anyone really loves God, he will keep on keeping His commandments (1 John 5:3; John 14:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). John explained that those commandments are not burdensome, which Thayer says means "the keeping of which is grievous". One could refer to other... [ Continue Reading ]
WITNESSES TO JESUS' SONSHIP The Gnostics taught that Jesus was a man, and Christ, the Deity, came upon Him at baptism and left Him before the crucifixion. John says Jesus was the same both in the waters of baptism and at the shedding of blood in His death (Matthew 3:13-17; John 19:31-35). The Spirit... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MEANS AND RESULTS OF HAVING ETERNAL LIFE Jesus was sent to open the way to eternal life in heaven, and to believe on Him, in the obedient way already discussed in earlier comments, is to gain that life (John 17:3). Having eternal life in heaven is contingent upon having the Son, or being a Chris... [ Continue Reading ]
"SIN LEADING TO DEATH" John next wrote about a "sin leading to death." Several other passages in scripture appear to speak of that sin (Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-27; 2 Peter 2:20-22; 1 Timothy 5:6). If all of these are describing the same sin, we conclude it involves a state of rebellion against... [ Continue Reading ]