Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in 1 John to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith in 1 John.
The First Epistle of John, written by the Apostle John, is a deeply theological and pastoral letter that emphasizes the nature of God as light and love, and the implications of this truth for the life of believers. Central to 1 John is the message of the Gospel, highlighting that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully human. The letter addresses key themes such as the assurance of salvation, the necessity of walking in the light, and the imperative of love among believers. John writes to affirm the believers in their faith, warn against false teachings, and encourage them to live in a manner consistent with the truth of the Gospel.
A central theme in 1 John is the nature of God as light and the call for believers to walk in this light. John writes, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). This declaration sets the foundation for the letter’s moral and ethical exhortations, urging believers to live in the light of God’s truth and holiness. Walking in the light involves confessing sins, as John assures that “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). This promise highlights the Gospel’s provision of forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus Christ.
The letter also emphasizes the incarnation of Christ as a fundamental aspect of the Gospel. John stresses the reality of Jesus coming in the flesh, countering the early heresies that denied His true humanity. He writes, “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God” (1 John 4:2). This affirmation of the incarnation underscores the significance of Christ’s earthly ministry, death, and resurrection, which are central to the Gospel message.
The Gospel in 1 John
The Gospel in 1 John Showcased in Scripture
- 1 John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7 emphasizes that if we walk in the light, as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.
- 1 John 1:9: “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 teaches that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- 1 John 2:1-2: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
1 John 2:1-2 addresses believers, encouraging them not to sin but offering reassurance that if anyone does sin, they have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the righteous. It states that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
- 1 John 2:25: “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”
1 John 2:25 focuses on the promise that God has given to believers: eternal life.
- 1 John 3:5: “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.”
1 John 3:5 states that Jesus was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.
- 1 John 3:16: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
1 John 3:16 explains that we know love by the example of Jesus, who laid down His life for us. It calls believers to follow this example by being willing to lay down their lives for others.
- 1 John 4:9-10: “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
1 John 4:9-10 describes how God’s love was revealed among us: He sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. It clarifies that love is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
- 1 John 4:14-15: “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.”
1 John 4:14-15 emphasizes the testimony of the apostles, declaring that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. It also states that whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in them, and they in God.
- 1 John 5:11-12: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
1 John 5:11-12 presents the testimony of God, which is that He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. It clearly states that whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
- 1 John 5:13: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
1 John 5:13 explains that the purpose of the letter is to assure those who believe in the name of the Son of God that they have eternal life. It emphasizes the confidence believers can have in their salvation.
These verses from 1 John emphasize the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood, the forgiveness of sins, the advocacy of Jesus Christ, the promise of eternal life, and the manifestation of God’s love through the sending of His Son. They highlight the core message of the Gospel: salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
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Furthermore, 1 John highlights the importance of love as the hallmark of true Christian discipleship. John states, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God” (1 John 4:7). This call to love is grounded in the understanding that “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and that genuine love is a reflection of God’s nature and a response to His love for us. John emphasizes that love for God and love for one another are inseparable, as “he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20).
As we delve into these key passages, it becomes evident that 1 John offers a rich and comprehensive presentation of the Gospel. The epistle emphasizes the nature of God as light and love, the reality of the incarnation, and the call to live in fellowship with God and each other. Through its theological depth and practical exhortations, 1 John provides a compelling vision of the Christian life, rooted in the truth of the Gospel and expressed through a life of holiness, love, and assurance in Christ.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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