The theme verse of 1John is found in 5:13 – “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” What has preceded this verse are several “tests” by which a person may judge whether or not he truly is a Christian. Basically, there are three major tests. The first is that a true Christian does not persist in sin. Verses like 3:9 can make it seem like you must attain to sinless perfection in order to secure you salvation. However, this is certainly not what John is intending to communicate or else he wouldn’t have included verses like 1:8-2:2. John’s point is that a true believer does not make it a consistent practice to pursue sin in his life. If a person does, then it is evidence that there is no spiritual life in him. He hasn’t been born of God (3:9). The converse of this is also stated frequently in the book, namely, that a true Christian pursues righteousness. In other words, he seeks to obey the commands of God (2:3).
The second test is love for other Christians. This too is presented by both positive and negative statements. For example, we are told that if we love God then we will love our Christian brother or sister as well (4:21). On the other hand, if we hate our Christian brother, then we are giving evidence that we are not true Christians (2:9). True love for other Christians will characterize our lives if we are genuine people of God.
The third test has to do with the identification of Jesus Christ as the Son of God (5:1). It makes all kinds of sense that you would not be considered a true Christian if you don’t believe in Jesus CHRIST! Related to this is also the presence of the Holy Spirit of God within a person. It is only by having the Spirit of God in you that you can truly believe in the person of Jesus Christ (4:2)!
The consideration of this epistle will do one of two things to the reader. It will either confirm to him that he truly is a Christian or it will reveal his true lack of faith. Which did it do for you as you read it today? If it was the first, then praise the Lord for the confirmation of your genuine spiritual life! If it was the second, then I beg you—turn from your sin and come to Jesus Christ by faith and become a true believing Christian today!
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