General Epistles · New Testament

The Book of 1 John

First John provides tests of genuine faith — walking in the light, obeying God's commands, and loving one another — so that believers may have assurance of their salvation and fellowship with God.

Chapters
5
Testament
New
Category
General Epistles
Traditional Author
Traditionally attributed to the apostle John

Overview

John writes to combat false teachings that denied the incarnation of Christ and to give believers assurance of their salvation. He presents a series of tests by which a person can know whether they truly belong to God: walking in the light rather than darkness, confessing sin, obeying God's commandments, and loving fellow believers. John declares that God is light, God is love, and that Jesus is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. He warns against the spirit of antichrist and encourages believers to abide in Christ.

Watch 1 John Verse by Verse

Chapter 1 (2) Chapter 4 (1)

Key Themes

  • Assurance of salvation
  • God is light and God is love
  • Walking in the light and confessing sin
  • Love for one another as evidence of faith
  • The incarnation of Christ and the spirit of antichrist

Key Verses

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

1 John 4:8 (NKJV)

How It Applies Today

First John assures believers that if they confess their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse them. The declaration that God is love defines the character of God and sets the standard for how believers are to treat one another. John's tests of faith — obedience, love, and right belief — provide a practical way for every believer to examine the genuineness of their walk with God.