"CONCERNING THE WORD OF LIFE" The first sentence of John's first epistle actually covers the first four verses. There are great similarities between these verses and the first fourteen verses of John's gospel. The expression "that which was" refers to the Word of life and the characteristics exhibit... [ Continue Reading ]
DEVELOPING A FELLOWSHIP WITH JOHN, THE FATHER AND HIS SON After the parenthetical thoughts of verse 2, John resumed the thoughts of verse 1 by emphasizing again his position as an eyewitness. It appears this epistle was written, in part, to answer those who did not believe God could take a fleshly... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD IS LIGHT The Gnostics John was likely dealing with claimed to be specially enlightened. The word _gnosko_ means "I know." John proclaimed God as light and even said there was no darkness in Him. Of course, in the Bible light is used to represent righteousness, holiness and salvation (Psalms 36:9... [ Continue Reading ]
WALKING IN THE LIGHT The Christian's walk should be in the light. Woods says, "The verb 'walk' here (_ ean peripatomen_) is present active subjunctive, thus literally, 'If we keep on walking in the light....'" The daily lives of God's children must be so conducted as to remain in the light of God's... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CHRISTIAN AND SIN Some evidently claimed to be above sin. They may have said, "We are spiritual and cannot sin." Today, some teach the doctrine of salvation by faith only, which likewise implies one's conduct does not matter. They effectively say faith sets them above sin. One who believes he d... [ Continue Reading ]