1 John (Written)

Tuesday, 28 April 2020

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16

John now brings in a thought that ties in nicely with verse 3:1. Putting them side by side, this can be seen –

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.”

In his words of this verse, John includes an article before “love” to show us this. The Greek more precisely reads, “By this, we know the love.” In this, it is the state of love which is referred to. John says that we can know this perfect state of love “because He laid down His life for us.” As an important side note, the KJV erringly inserts the words “of God” after “the love” into this verse –

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us.”

This insertion is inappropriate. God did not die. The human side of Jesus – the Man – died. This may be the same as “the love of God” found in the next verse, but only in the fact that God directed it, not because God “laid down His life.” The insertion produces a theological error and needs to be annotated as such in that version in order to avoid confusion.

It is Christ Jesus’ humanity that died, thus demonstrating the perfect love that should direct our own lives. This is then explained by John when he says, “And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Jesus set the example, showing us that physical death is not the end of our existence, and thus it is not something that we should shy away from when it can mean the saving of others.

Because Christ rose from the grave, and because He promises to those who believe in Him that they too will rise from the grave, there is – literally – nothing to be concerned about in giving up one’s life for another. And because this is a demonstration of “the love,” meaning the perfect love, then it is a demonstration of being a faithful follower of Christ who embodies the love of God in Himself. This is why John refers to “the love of God” in the coming verse. It is not because God gave up His life, but because Christ Jesus, in His humanity did so, thus revealing the very heart of what God intends for us to see concerning Him.

Life application: John’s words, “we know,” are in the perfect tense. In other words, he is speaking of a completed action. It is obvious what he is referring to – the cross. By this example, above all other examples, we know love. Along with this comes the explicit comment – “He laid down His life for us.” John is confirming here what he recorded in his gospel, meaning the very words of Jesus –

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:17, 18

Later, in John 15, Jesus tells us this is the greatest of all love – that a man would lay down his life for his brother. Thinking on Jesus’ words and processing it in light of the crucifixion, which he personally witnessed many years earlier, John stood in complete awe of the God/Man who would demonstrate such amazing love. John’s words, in all of his writings, simply exude the love of God. For this reason, he is also particularly hard on false teachings.

Such teachings attempt to undermine the heart of what his eyes had witnessed and what his mind had thought about – complete, pure, and perfect love. And now, in his old age, John repeats to us what the Lord did and asks us to act in the same manner. He tells us that we ought also “to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Our dying isn’t an act of removing their sins as Jesus’ was. Instead, it reveals a demonstration that we know our sins were removed and that we wish to fellowship with Jesus in His death if it means life for another. Simply amazing! Simply astonishing! What a path to peace!

Lord Jesus, if it will bring You glory and if we are in the right time and place to be given the honor of laying down our lives for another, may we do so without reticence or timidity. Instead, may we do so with the intent of saving that person so that he can live another day. If our lives end for such a reason, then we will consider it an honor and a reward in itself. Amen.

Monday, 27 April 2020

Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15

John now sets forth another proposition to be considered, beginning with, “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer.” This is similar in thought to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 –

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ ²² But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” Matthew 5:21, 22

Society evaluates man based on his actions. If he has an inclination in his heart to kill another person, he is not guilty of killing that person. However, God is evaluating the heart and intent of the person. The hatred of a brother is as if he has committed the act. In his words, John uses a term which signifies a manslayer. It covers both intentional and unintentional killing, and it is only elsewhere found in John 8:44 –

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

John is tying the person who hates his brother in with the devil, showing that they bear the same nature. Because they do – both are murderers – he then says, “and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”

Of this, the Geneva Bible rightly says, “A confirmation: Whoever is a murderer, is in eternal death: he who hates his brother is a murderer, therefore he is in death. Thereupon follows the other side: He that loves his brother has passed to life, for indeed we are born dead.”

Further, and again rightly stated, Cambridge says, “Here, as elsewhere, S. John speaks of eternal life as something which the Christian already has, not which he hopes to win: comp. … Eternal life has nothing to do with time, and is neither lost nor gained by physical death.”

An obvious reason for such conclusions is that a person is positionally “in Christ” the moment he receives Christ. Sin is no longer imputed to him for actions which violate law (2 Corinthians 5:19). However, it is certainly true that Christians have – throughout the church age and to this day – murdered (intentionally or unintentionally) others. And yet, they remain saved and they possess eternal life.

Therefore, what John is speaking of is either one being like Cain and of the devil (see John 8:44 above), or they have moved to Christ and are of Christ. There is only one of two states for all humanity. We can either choose Christ, and therefore love the people who are in Christ (and what they are doing to bring people to Christ), or we will remain in the devil and hate those who are in Christ (and reject what they are doing to bring people to Christ).

What is being done in Christ and for Christ cannot be separated from who He is. This is evident from the entire surrounding body of what is said in John 8 –

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. ⁴³ Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. ⁴⁴ You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. ⁴⁵ But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. ⁴⁶ Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? ⁴⁷ He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” John 8:42-47

Life application: Jesus uses the same type of analogy concerning adultery – the intent of the heart is what is judged by God. Even the Ten Commandments search the hearts for intent – such as coveting. When we have such heart problems, they are evaluated as such.

Thank God for His grace and mercy in Christ Jesus who no longer imputes to us sin for the thoughts which we continue to bear in our hearts.

O God, You know that our hearts tread in unsafe waters from time to time. You know the deepest secrets they hold and the depths of wickedness that we are capable of. So, Lord, please keep us from allowing these thoughts and intents to grow. We know if they do, we could easily act upon them, bringing great shame to Your name in other’s eyes. Guide us from such paths of waywardness and lead us on paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Amen.

Sunday, 26 April 2020

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 1 John 3:14

In verse 10, John mentioned love for one’s brother. He then provided the example of Cain, and he gave an explanation between practicing righteousness or not doing so. He now returns to the love of the brethren here, beginning with, “We know.”

The words are highly emphatic, and they are contrasted to those of the world mentioned in the previous verse. To know indicates all certainty; it is an assured fact. The believer knows he has done something and is positive in his mind about it. There is no doubt, and there is no reason to relay to others that the situation is otherwise. And that thing which a true and grounded believer knows is “that we have passed from death to life.”

The word translated as “have passed” signifies “to pass over.” It is from one state to another. There is a departure from one’s position, and thus there is a movement to that of another position. Further, there is an article before both “death” and “life” – “we have passed out of the death to the life” (YLT). This truth is especially stated by Jesus in John 5:24, where He also used the article –

“Verily, verily, I say to you — He who is hearing my word, and is believing Him who sent me, hath life age-during, and to judgment he doth not come, but hath passed out of the death to the life.” YLT

Jesus uses the same article in Revelation 1:8. John’s words, then, are a rather basic statement, and it can only mean one thing. There is nothing hidden in them, and there is nothing to indicate that the “knowing” of the person is somehow wrong. Believers can know that they have passed from the death to the life. Further, John’s words are in the perfect tense, indicative mood. In other words, it is a done deal; the action is complete, and we have become united with Christ in the move. Further, there is certainty in the matter; it is an objective fact.

We have moved from darkness to light; from death to life; from the devil to God. These are not made up concepts, but each of them has been used by John to show us our new position because of our faith in Jesus. Taking these words, and uniting them with Jesus’ words in John 5, it is incredible to see believers state that a person can lose his salvation.

What does Jesus say? “…and to judgment he doth not come.” Everlasting life is granted, sin is no longer imputed, and the fear of judgment (unto condemnation) is past. The only judgment believers will receive is for rewards and losses, but not in a positional move back to “the death.”

Understanding this fundamental point of theology, John continues with, “because we love the brethren.” Jesus explained this in John 13 –

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34, 35

The point John is making is based on the words of the previous verse – “the world hates you.” The person who did not believe in Jesus a moment earlier, hated what Jesus stands for. In his hating of the faith, he then hated those of the faith. It is the faith that defines who a believer is, and what he is. When the person realizes his need for Christ, he can no longer hate those who represent what Jesus stands for. One has moved from hatred to love and from the death to the life.

John then finishes the thought with, “He who does not love his brother abides in death.” Sin results in death (the wages of sin is death). A person who is in that state is of the world, and the world hates Jesus. In hating Jesus, hatred of the brotherhood who represent Jesus is an obvious consequence.

John is not speaking of the individual love between two people. A non-believer can be married to, and love, a believer (1 Corinthians 7 shows that such unions exist). However, the nonbeliever has an internal hatred toward the message of Christ (he does not believe). In this state, he abides in death. In abiding in death, there is a hatred for what the believer (even a person he loves) stands for.

The thought is of one where a person stands in relation to Christ. It is not speaking of the emotional love between two people, but of the love of God in Christ. Regardless as to the love between the two, the state of hatred toward the identity with Christ remains.

Life application: In John’s words there is no other option than to state that this love equates to life, and hate then equates with death.

The test for us then in considering the truth of our being born again is not that the world hates us. The test is whether we love the brethren. Anytime someone claims exclusivity on the road to salvation, the world will hate them. This is simply because no one wants to be left out of God’s paradise. Therefore, when anyone claims his way is the only way, he is – because of this precept – going to be hated. This is no guarantee of following the truth though.

Cults do this all the time, and yet they are as far from God as any pagan. It is the born-again believer who trusts Christ with his salvation, and who has thereby come to love his fellow believers, that has moved to the sphere of light and life. Despite the failings of others, as well as their idiosyncrasies, make every effort to love the brethren and be at peace with those who may be annoying. It is what God calls us to do as His saved children.

Lord, help us to feel the conviction of not loving other believers as we should. Soften our hearts and make them tender towards our fellow believers. Rather than demanding that they change, may it be each of us who are willing to do the changing. Give us the ability to be the ones to reconcile all the petty and insignificant differences we have. This we pray for Your glory. Amen.

Saturday, 25 April 2020

Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. 1 John 3:13

John just referred to Cain who murdered his brother. He then explained that he did so because “his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.” John, understanding that those in Christ are now imputed His righteousness, shows that what Cain felt toward Abel – meaning the enmity and hatred – is something to be expected by believers. In this, he says, “Do not marvel.”

The word signifies to be amazed or astonished. John is implying that those he is writing to may be incredulous at the enmity they were experiencing. He next says, “my brethren.” This is the only time he uses this particular word in the epistle. His usual address has been “little children,” or “beloved.” However, he certainly uses the term “brethren” here to contrast his brothers, whom he loves, to Cain who hated his brother.

One may have a brother by blood and hate him, but within the context of those in Christ, they are brothers who are to be loved – unconditionally. One may not especially like another believer, but those differences should in no way negate his loving him in a volitional manner.

John finishes the thought with, “if the world hates you.” Here, the word “hate” is in the present tense and in the indicative mood. There was hatred, and that hatred was a fact that was directed towards the believers. One might paraphrase his words, “if the world hates you as it does.” If Cain hated Abel for his right conduct in his offering to the Lord, how much more would one expect the world to hate believers who are “in Christ” and thus not of this world! As it is so, no believer should be surprised at the matter.

Life application: The believers John addressed had obviously been caught unaware by persecution from the nonbelievers around them. Nothing has changed since that time. The sons of disobedience who are under the devil’s power have been, and will continue, persecuting the sons of God. When John says “if” the world hates you, he is using the word as a foregone conclusion. It is a fact and not a mere possibility. The reason faithful believers are hated is because their lives are a testimony to the fact that the unsaved are… well, unsaved.

The problem with people is that they don’t want to admit that it’s possible that God has chosen one path, and one path alone, for men to be saved. Rather, man desires to follow the desires of his heart, knowing inside that this path condemns him. But the prospect of condemnation is something no one looks forward to. And so, a conflict rises which demands a choice –

1) Give up on self and trust in Jesus (with all that should entail, such as giving up on one’s favorite vice or perversion), or
2) Mentally blocking out the truth of the gospel and directing anger at the God who is intolerant of their behavior.

In the case of the second option, the anger at God is directed at the people of God. If you don’t believe this, simply go to the internet and type “Christian Persecution” into your image search engine. The horrors perpetrated against faithful believers around the world are astonishing – all because of the name of the One who can bring about reconciliation with God.

When a believer understands the depravity of the unregenerate human heart, he should in no way marvel when persecution comes. Be faithful to the Lord regardless of what you may face in the future. He has promised a far better eternal existence for those who love Him.

Thank You, O God, for Jesus! May we be willing to endure whatever it takes to remain faithful and obedient sons – bringing glory to You through His name! Regardless of what the world can do to us, we cherish above all else the title of “Christian” because it reflects our personal relationship with Jesus. And that makes being a child of Yours possible. Amen.

Friday, 24 April 2020

…not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. 1 John 3:12

Greek scholars and commentators almost universally note the strange grammatical construction of John’s words. There is no “who” in the original, and there is no pronoun before “the wicked one.” It is said to be irregular and almost ungrammatical. However, John is making the definite article into a demonstrative pronoun. Young’s Literal Translation says, “not as Cain – of the evil one he was.”

Stating the position of Cain in this way has, unfortunately, led many Christians into very sloppy theology. They claim that Satan actually had sex with Eve and Cain is the offspring of this union. An entire theology is built up from this type of thinking which leads into a very poor hermeneutic in much of the rest of the Bible. The point John is making is that Cain, instead of following the truth of God, followed the way of the devil.

Adam and his wife were deceived by the devil and fell. However, Adam later believed the truth of God’s word concerning the coming Messiah by faith, and the Lord clothed him and his wife – a picture of salvation. But as a lesson for all people who come from Adam, the story of Cain and Abel is immediately introduced. One son continued in faith and presented an acceptable offering to God. The other, despite offering to God, did not do so in faith. The Lord accepted Abel’s offering, but He rejected Cain’s.

This lesson was given to show exactly what John had just referred to in verses 3:7-11. One is either in Christ and his works are acceptable, or he remains of the devil and his works are not acceptable. This has nothing to do with Cain being born of a union between the devil and Eve. Rather it is a truth that affects all people on earth who descend from Adam. Cain was “of the wicked one” and his heart and actions reflected his position in the devil.

He failed to live in faith, “and murdered his brother.” The account is recorded in Genesis 4 –

“Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. ³ And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. ⁴ Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, ⁵ but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.” Genesis 4:2-5

Many commentaries are put forth attempting to explain why the Lord accepted Abel’s offering and why He rejected Cain’s, but they are unnecessary. The Bible explains why –

“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” Hebrews 4:4

Abel’s offering was one of faith. It is the consistent message of Scripture. One cannot work his way into pleasing God. Only by faith in God’s word and in His promises can one be pleasing to Him.

John next demonstrates this by using the concept of works. He asks, “And why did he murder him?” The word translated as “murder” is only found in the writings of John. It is used twice in this verse, and eight times in Revelation. It signifies to butcher, particularly an animal for food or as a sacrifice.

Cain treated his brother as an animal for sacrifice, maybe thinking that he could make up for his own failed offering by offering a man – his own brother – instead of the fruit of the ground. But he did so out of jealousy concerning his brother’s offering. In this, he only sinned more. As John says, “Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.”

What works? It was the offerings presented to the Lord. But the works themselves show why they were or were not accepted. It is because of the faith that either accompanied them, or that was lacking in them. Abel’s works were based on his faith and extended from that faith. Cain’s works were not works of faith, and thus they were works of pride, of self, and of earning God’s favor through personal merit. The Lord rejects such works because they are of the devil.

This is the same lesson that James conveys in James 2. James is not speaking of works being a natural result of saving faith, and thus an evidence of it. Rather, he is speaking of works (if they exist) being works of faith. Only deeds of faith are acceptable to God.

Life application: Cain is the first human ever recorded as being born, and he was a murderer. The Bible records that he “was of the wicked one,” meaning the devil. Jesus said elsewhere –

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44

The devil “was a murderer from the beginning.” Jesus was indicating that it is through the work of the devil that death came into the human experience. This doesn’t mean only physical death – a result of the removal of the tree of life. It also, and more specifically, means spiritual death.

This spiritual death occurred when Satan enticed Adam and Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Just as Satan is a murderer, so Cain, who followed the path of the devil, became one. John says Cain killed his brother “because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.”

We must remember that the offering of Abel was one of faith. The type of offering made no difference – both types of offerings are later required under the Levitical law. Instead, what matters to God is that the offering then, and our offerings now, must be of faith.

Lord, we pray that you will accept our offerings based on the faith we place behind them. Though we may not be rich by the world’s standards, we know that You will accept whatever amount we give when it is done with the proper attitude and in recognition of who You are, what You have already done on our behalf, and of what You have promised for us into the future. May it be so, to Your glory alone. Amen.