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1 John 

12/18/2015

2 Comments

 
​I am a theology and doctrine nerd. I love me some good Bible based doctrine. So I thought today I would unpack a little from 1 John, the different doctrines that John teaches in this letter to the churches. So I list each doctrine and then highlight some of John’s teaching on it. Enjoy the feast of God’s Revelation. J
 
The Doctrine of God John highlights two important characteristics of God. First, God is light (1:5). Second, God is love (4:8). Both of these qualities are essential attributes of God. To walk in the light is to walk in the life of God. To practice love is to demonstrate the character of God.
 
The Doctrine of Sin First John 3:8 states that the devil is the source of sin, for he “sinned from the beginning.” Sin in the individual is the result of the devil’s hold upon a person, and victory over sin is in reality victory over the devil himself. John describes sin as darkness (1:5–7), lawlessness or rebellion (3:4), and unrighteousness (5:17). Sin is universal and comprehensive. Therefore, every person is a sinner and commits sins (1:8, 10).
 
The Doctrine of Christology Jesus is presented as the Son of God, and the reality of the incarnation of the preexistent Word is stressed. Twenty-one times Jesus is called the Son in 1 John and twice in 2 John. John states that the Son “was with the Father” and is Himself the “life” of God (1:1–3). Jesus is the “true God and eternal life” (5:20), a direct affirmation of the Son’s deity. He was sinless (3:5), and He made atonement for the sins of the whole world (2:2, 4:10). He destroyed the devil’s work (1 John 3:8), accomplishing all of this by His death (1 John 5:6). His death was a demonstration of the Father’s love (4:9–11) for sinful humanity. He could do all of this because He took on tangible, real human flesh (1:1–3). The incarnation was a true and genuine wedding of perfect deity and sinless humanity.
 
The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit The Spirit witnesses to the believer concerning the true teaching about Jesus the Christ (2:27; 5:7–8). The Spirit Himself is a gift of anointing. He has been given to the believer (3:24) and enables him to overcome the world (4:4). As the Spirit of truth (4:6), He helps the believer to recognize the false prophets who speak and teach wrongly concerning Jesus.
 
The Doctrine of Salvation The redemptive work of Jesus Christ has made possible our salvation (2:2; 3:16; 4:10). By believing and receiving the Son (5:10–13) one is born again (5:1), becomes a child of God (3:1–2), and receives the gift of eternal life. Through the new birth we are enabled to do “what is right” (2:29). We may commit individual acts of sin (1:8, 10; 2:1), but we will not habitually live in sin (3:6–9). In salvation God has come to live (abide) in us and we in God (4:15–16).
 
The Doctrine of Eschatology John lived in the expectancy that the parousia was imminent. He said, “It is the last hour” (2:18). The evidence included the presence of “many antichrists.” John also looked to the eschatological coming of Antichrist as well (2:18; 4:3). John sees the world as already passing away (2:17), indicating that the victory of Christ won at the cross is already underway, yet it awaits a final and climactic consummation. The day of judgment is coming (4:17). Those who live in God and He in them will have confidence in that day and no fear (4:18). When He comes, our transformation will be made complete for “we know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He is” (3:2). Assured of a right standing before God through faith in His Son who provided atonement for sin, we love God and others, and with this hope in us, we purify ourselves, just as He is pure (3:3).
2 Comments
Bruce
12/21/2015 10:55:29 pm

"The Doctrine of God: First, God is light (1:5). Second, God is love (4:8). To walk in the light is to walk in the life of God. To practice love is to demonstrate the character of God." I agree completely!! I try more and more each day to live for God and live a Christian life, but these two comments describe my wife well. I asked God everyday to soften my hard heart, and I struggle each day, but she does it effortlessly. She truly has the gift of love, which makes her walk in the light. She does not boast about her faith, she just simply lives it. Thank you to my God for putting her in my life. Someday I hope to be as good a person as she is and truly love people like she does. I am praying that we are able to serve our God together and we are able to bring our family and others to know Jesus.

"The Doctrine of Salvation: The redemptive work of Jesus Christ has made possible our salvation. We may commit individual acts of sin, but we will not habitually live in sin." This gives me hope and comfort as I struggle to get rid of sin in my life daily. When I think what I wrong thinking, because of certain situations ( someone cutting me off on my way to work). I say the Lord's prayer. I also try to read the bible and get rid of the frustration. This truly helps!!! "In salvation God has come to live (abide) in us and we in God." I wish I could get others to realize that they can get salvation. I want them to walk with God and know the piece, joy and comfort it brings.

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Tammy
12/22/2015 03:00:04 am

I reads this quote recently..."sin is what we do when our hearts aren't satisfied in God". John Piper said this and it makes sense in the last comment about sin. We don't habitually sin anymore because our hearts as Christians aren't continually Not satisfied in God. We are satisfied in God and want to please him with our life.....most of the time. Other times I get selfish and go my own way but thankfully our God doesn't let me get too far without reminding me or sending someone to remind me who I am in Jesus. I am truly grateful for those in my life who know when to call me out and help me get back on track.

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