When a juror hears evidence in a trial, he asks two questions: (1) what is being said and (2) who is saying it. Yesterday, we looked at the content of the testimony presented in 1 John 5:6-12, which I summarized as God’s life through God’s Son. Today, let’s look at the character of the witnesses.   Verses 6b-10 provide the relevant information:   And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. We accept man’s testimony, … Continue reading Spirit, Water, Blood (1 John 5:6-12)

  Sometimes, the Bible is hard to understand. Reading First John 5:6-12 is one of those times. So, over the next two days, I’ll try to make it a bit easier to understand.   Here’s what John writes:   This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. We accept man’s testimony, but God’s … Continue reading God’s Life through God’s Son (1 John 5:6-12)

  The Christian life is a life of faith, hope, and love.   First John 5:1-5 shows how these theological virtues play out in the everyday life of the Christian:   Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the … Continue reading Faith, Love, and Hope (1 John 5:1-5)

  Love begins at home, or it never begins at all.   In the fourth chapter of Bleak House, Charles Dickens narrates the arrival of Esther Summerson at the home of Mrs. Jellyby. Although her house is ramshackle and her children clothed in tattered garments, Mrs. Jellyby’s best time and efforts are spent organizing help for “the natives of Borrioboola-Gha, on the left bank of the Niger.” Mrs. Jellyby is a fine example of what Dickens calls “Telescopic Philanthropy,” charity for strangers far away combined with neglect of people near and dear.   First John 4:19-21 offers a different model … Continue reading Microscopic Philanthropy (1 John 4:19-21)

  Listen to The Daily Word online.   According to 1 John 4:13-18, the subjective experience of the Holy Spirit, the objective truth about the Savior, and our effective action in the world are three grounds for assurance of salvation.   In a previous Daily Word, I discussed subjective experience and objective truth. Today, I want to take a close look at 1 John 4:16b-18 and discuss effective action in the world.   God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will … Continue reading Grounds for Assurance, Part 2 (1 John 4:16b-18)

  Listen to The Daily Word online.   How do we know that we are truly Christian?   One of the most haunting passages I have ever read in the Bible is Matthew 7:21-23:   [Jesus said:] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I … Continue reading Grounds for Assurance, Part 1 (1 John 4:13-16a)

  Listen to The Daily Word online.   How do we know that God loves us?   First John 4:9-10 answers that question by teaching us that God’s love is public, personal, proactive, and propitiatory.   This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.   First, God’s love is public. It is something he “showed” us. It is not … Continue reading Love, Life, and Death (1 John 4:9-10)

  Listen to The Daily Word online.   According to 1 John 4:7-12, God is love’s direct source, best example, prime mover, and ultimate completer.   Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and … Continue reading God Is Love (1 John 4:7-12)