1 John (1 Jn)

The 23rd book of the New Testament, comprising five chapters. Authored by the apostle John around AD 90, this letter was written to multiple churches to strengthen their faith. Estimated reading time: 15 minutes.

Key figures
John, Jesus.

Summary
This epistle emphasizes healthy relationships—first with God, established and sustained by confessing our sins, and then with others, demonstrated through practical love (1 Jn 3:16-18). John writes to combat early heresies that were undermining the church, particularly teachings that denied the physical incarnation of Christ and separated spiritual knowledge from moral living. These false teachers claimed special enlightenment while disregarding ethical commands and community responsibility. John presents three primary tests of genuine faith: the moral test (obedience to God's commands), the relational test (love for fellow believers), and the doctrinal test (belief in Jesus as the Christ who came in the flesh). He emphasizes that true fellowship with God produces visible transformation in character and conduct. The letter cycles through these themes repeatedly, creating a "spiral" structure that deepens understanding with each repetition. John cautions against false teachings that originate outside of God. Such deceptive doctrines come from the anti-Christ, who opposes people's belief and freedom in truth. The term appears only in John's letters in the New Testament, referring not just to a future end-times figure but to any spirit or teaching that denies Christ's full humanity and divinity. Believers can take encouragement in knowing that the Holy Spirit within them is stronger than any evil force opposing them (1 Jn 4:4). This indwelling Spirit provides both protection from deception and assurance of salvation.

Central message
Our affection should not be directed toward the world's value system, but passionately toward God and our fellow human beings. "This is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us...This is love for God: to obey His commands" (1 Jn 3:23, 5:3).

Important passages and reflections

We testify about the eternal life (Jesus) whom we have personally witnessed, heard, and experienced, so that through our shared fellowship, you too may have communion with the Father and the Son (1 Jn 1:1-10). The Christian faith isn't merely a collection of regulations, but a living relationship with its founder, expressed through actively living out His teachings. Sin creates separation from God, yet "If we acknowledge our sins (both at conversion and continually as we fall short)...He is faithful to forgive and purify us from all wrongdoing." Unacknowledged sin remains unforgiven and hinders our walk in God's light. Being cleansed leads to proper loving relationships with God, family, the church community, and all people. How would I assess my relationships with others? The quality of our connections with people reflects the depth of our relationship with Jesus—these are intrinsically connected (1 Jn 1:5-7, 2:9-11, 4:21). Do I genuinely know Jesus, and am I living in love and truth?

"Anyone who says they live in Him must walk as Jesus walked" (1 Jn 2:4-6). There should be observable evidence in our outward behavior that matches our inward transformation. Mere words have little value, and intellectual agreement means nothing without corresponding actions. The Pharisees in Jesus' time claimed to know God, but their religion was merely an empty performance to impress others, lacking genuine substance. Do my decisions and daily life demonstrate that I belong to God? While Jesus never sinned, we were born with a sinful nature and continue to sin, but as we deal with it—confessing and seeking forgiveness with genuine repentance—we will experience positive change. As we mature in the Lord's strength and determination, making consistent right choices, we will sin less frequently, fulfilling the promise "No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning" (1 Jn 3:6, 5:18).

"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (1 Jn 3:8). Before Jesus atoned for our sins, humanity was powerless against the enemy of our souls—and we remain vulnerable unless we commit ourselves to Christ, who empowers us to live victoriously. This includes having God's Word dwelling in us, avoiding worldly affections, resisting fleshly temptations, pursuing personal holiness, and loving others sacrificially (1 Jn 2:14-16, 3:3, 4:11). Does this characterize my spiritual journey? What areas require attention? Beginning today, partner with the all-powerful risen Savior to dismantle any stronghold Satan has established in your mind and life. Though Christ has conquered Satan, we must actively resist him and remain obedient to Jesus!

Application points

Examine your relationships with others as a reflection of your relationship with God. If you claim to know Christ but harbor hatred or refuse to forgive, your spiritual condition needs attention. Make amends with anyone you've wronged today.
Test your spiritual authenticity by evaluating your obedience to Christ's commands. Are there areas where you're merely professing faith without practicing it? Identify one specific command of Jesus that you've been neglecting and commit to obeying it this week.
Assess your affection for worldly values versus your love for God and others. The things the world promotes—excessive materialism, selfish ambition, sensual indulgence—compete for your heart's devotion. Choose one way to actively resist worldly influences and demonstrate sacrificial love to someone in need.
Cultivate assurance of salvation by examining your life for evidence of transformation. Do you see growing love for God and others, increasing desire for holiness, and victory over sin? If so, you can have confidence that you are born of God (1 Jn 5:13). Share this hope with someone who struggles with doubt.