📖 Biblical Definition
The first of three Johannine epistles, written by the apostle John near the end of the first century (probably from Ephesus). The letter's explicit purpose appears at 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. The epistle gives believers three tests of authentic faith, recurring throughout the five chapters: (1) doctrinal — confessing Jesus Christ come in the flesh, against incipient Gnostic denial of the Incarnation (1:1-3; 2:22-23; 4:1-3); (2) moral — walking in obedience to God's commandments, not continuing in habitual sin (2:3-6; 3:6-10); (3) relational — love for the brothers, demonstrated in deeds not just words (2:9-11; 3:14-18; 4:7-21). The famous 1 John 1:9 (If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins) anchors the assurance the epistle aims to provide.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
1 JOHN, n. The first general epistle of the apostle John.
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1 JOHN, n. The general epistle which proclaims that God is light and God is love, refutes the spirit of antichrist that denies Jesus has come in the flesh, and gives the marks by which a believer may know that he is born of God: walking in the light, keeping His commandments, loving the brethren, and confessing the Son.
📖 Key Scripture
1 John 1:9 — "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins."
1 John 3:1 — "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!"
1 John 4:8 — "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."
1 John 5:13 — "These things I have written to you who believe…that you may know that you have eternal life."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
'God is love' ripped from context to baptize every behavior; the moral and doctrinal tests deleted.
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1 John 4:8 is the most-quoted and least-read sentence in the epistle. 'God is love' is now a banner over moral chaos. But John's love has tests — obedience to commandments, confession that Jesus is the Christ come in the flesh, hatred of sin and love of the brethren. Stripped of these, 'love' means nothing and excuses everything.
The book is also the antidote to false assurance and false despair. To the smug it says: examine yourself. To the trembling it says: these things I have written that you may know you have eternal life. Both voices in one short letter.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Key terms: agapē (love), koinōnia (fellowship), antichristos (antichrist).
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Usage
"1 John writes so that we may know — assurance is its purpose."
"God is love — and love keeps commandments."
"The spirit of antichrist denies Jesus in the flesh; mark it well."