FIRST
JOHN CHAPTER FOUR
OBSERVATION
STAGE
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
The
purpose of the observation stage is to maintain focus on the text at hand
in accordance with the framework in which it was written: a framework
which is defined by the normative rules of language, context and logic -
rules which do not impose undue, unintended meanings to the text
,
and which largely limit the observer to the content offered by the books
of 1st John and the Gospel of John. In order for any passage from
elsewhere to be considered, it must have a relationship with the context
at hand, such as a Scriptural quotation or a specific cross reference in
the passage at hand by the author. This will serve to avoid going on
unnecessary tangents elsewhere; and more importantly, it will provide the
framework for a proper and objective comparison with passages located
elsewhere in Scripture.
Remember that
something elsewhere may be true, but in the text at hand it may not be in
view.
I)
[1 Jn 3:24-4:21]:
A)
(1 Jn 3:24) THE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD, WHO GUARDEDLY KEEP GOD'S
COMMANDMENTS, ALBEIT IMPERFECTLY, ABIDE IN GOD, AND HE IN THEM. THEY
KNOW BY THIS THAT GOD ABIDES IN THEM BY, I.E., OUT OF THE SPIRIT WHOM HE
GAVE THEM AS CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD
****** EXCERPT
FROM 1ST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
(1
Jn 2:3) NOW BY THIS CHILDREN OF GOD KNOW THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN GOD IF
THEY ARE CAREFUL TO KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS - NOT AS A MEANS TO GAIN /
PROVE TO THEMSELVES OR TO OTHERS THAT THEY ARE SAVED UNTO ETERNAL LIFE,
BUT TO ACQUIRE A CERTAIN KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN A GREATER SENSE THAN WHEN
THEY WERE FIRST SAVED
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
A
cont.) (1 Jn 3:24 cont.) AND THE ONE - THE CHILD OF GOD, BORN OF GOD,
WHO GUARDEDLY KEEP GOD'S COMMANDMENTS, ALBEIT IMPERFECTLY, ABIDES IN
GOD, AND HE IN HIM. WE KNOW BY THIS THAT HE ABIDES IN YOU,
[OUT OF] THE SPIRIT WHOM HE GAVE US AS CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD,
cont.
B
(1 Jn 4:1) BELOVED, (CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD), DO NOT BELIEVE EVERY
SPIRIT, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE FROM GOD, BECAUSE
MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD
1)
[Compare 1 Jn 2:27]:
C)
(1 Jn 4:2a) BELOVED, (CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD), DO NOT BELIEVE
EVERY SPIRIT, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE FROM GOD,
BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD; BY THIS
THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS BEING MADE KNOWN
1)
[1 Jn 4:2a CBL Greek Interlinear]:
2)
[Manuscript evidence for 1 Jn 4:2a]:
3)
[1 Jn 4:1-2]:
D)
(1 Jn 4:2b) BELOVED, (CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD), DO NOT BELIEVE
EVERY SPIRIT, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE FROM GOD,
BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD; BY THIS THE
SPIRIT OF GOD IS BEING MADE KNOWN. EVERY SPIRIT THAT
CONFESSES JESUS AS CHRIST HAVING COME IN THE FLESH IS FROM GOD.
1)
[1 Jn 4:2b CBL Greek Interlinear]:
E)
(1 Jn 4:3a) BELOVED, (CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD), DO NOT BELIEVE
EVERY SPIRIT, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE FROM GOD,
BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD; BY THIS THE
SPIRIT OF GOD IS BEING MADE KNOWN. EVERY SPIRIT THAT CONFESSES JESUS
AS CHRIST HAVING COME IN THE FLESH IS FROM GOD. AND EVERY
SPIRIT THAT DOES NOT CONFESS JESUS IS NOT FROM GOD;
1)
[Manuscript evidence of 1 Jn 4:3a "and every spirit that does not
confess Jesus is not from God"]:
2)
[1 Jn 4:3a]:
3)
[More manuscript evidence of 1 Jn 4:3a]:
F)
(1 Jn 4:3b) BELOVED, (CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD), DO NOT BELIEVE
EVERY SPIRIT, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE FROM GOD,
BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD; BY THIS THE
SPIRIT OF GOD IS BEING MADE KNOWN. EVERY SPIRIT THAT CONFESSES JESUS
AS CHRIST HAVING COME IN THE FLESH IS FROM GOD. AND EVERY SPIRIT
THAT DOES NOT CONFESS JESUS IS NOT FROM GOD; THIS IS THE
SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST, OF WHICH YOU HAVE HEARD THAT IT IS COMING, AND
NOW IT IS ALREADY IN THE WORLD]:
****** EXCERPT
FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
(1
Jn 2:18-19) JOHN ADDRESSES HIS READERSHIP AS HIS "LITTLE CHILDREN,"
I.E., CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD, WHO LOOK TO JOHN AS APOSTLE AND
TEACHER. IT IS [A] LAST HOUR IN THE SENSE OF THE END OF THE EVER
INCREASING UNGODLY CHARACTER OF AN AGE OF A WORLD OF UNGODLINESS AND
MORAL DEPRAVITY SINCE ADAM AND EVE: AN AGE AT A TIME WHEN THE ANTICHRIST
IS COMING. AND EVEN NOW, JOHN WRITES, MANY ANTICHRISTS HAVE ALREADY
APPEARED - MANY OF WHOM WERE PRESENT IN THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM:
UNBELIEVERS WHO DENIED CHRIST'S HUMANITY AND SECRETLY TAUGHT HERESY.
THEY DEPARTED SO THAT IT WOULD BE SHOWN THAT THEY WERE NOT OF US - THE
TRUTH WAS NOT IN THEM
[Compare
1 Jn 2:18 Interlinear]:
[Compare
Ro 5:12 ]:
[Compare
1 Jn 4:1-5]:
[Compare
Mt 24:3-11]:
[Compare
Rev 13:1-8]:
[Compare
2 Thess 2:1-4]:
[Compare
1 Jn 2:22]:
[Compare
1 Jn 5:1]:
[Compare
Gal 2:1-5]:
[Compare
1 Jn 4:1-6]:
[Compare
Acts 15:1, 5, 24-26]:
(1
Jn 2:22-23) IN VERSE 21 JOHN REMINDED HIS READERS OF HOLDING TO THE
TRUTHS FROM THE WORD OF GOD THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN AND TO BE DISCERNING OF
THE LIES THAT WERE PREVALENT AROUND THEM FROM THE ANTICHRISTS. WHEREIN
IN VERSES 22 AND 23, HE SPECIFICALLY REFERRED TO THOSE WHO DENY THAT
JESUS IN HIS HUMANITY IS THE CHRIST, DEFINING THEM AS THE ANTICHRIST.
JOHN WROTE THAT THE ONE WHO DENIES THE FATHER AND THE SON; STATING THAT
WHOEVER DENIES THE SON DOES NOT HAVE THE FATHER EITHER: THIS IS THE ONE
WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE IN WHO GOD IS AND HAS NEITHER HIM NOR HIS SON NOR
ETERNAL LIFE. BUT HE WHO ACKNOWLEDGES [IN THE SENSE OF BELIEVES IN] THE
SON OF GOD AS THE CHRIST - IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORD OF GOD FOR
SALVATION, HAS THE FATHER ALSO AND ETERNAL LIFE
[Review
1 Jn 2:1-2, 12, 20; 5:1]:
[Compare
Jn 1:18]:
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
F
cont.) (1 Jn 4:3b cont.) BELOVED, (CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD), DO NOT
BELIEVE EVERY SPIRIT, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE FROM
GOD, BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD; BY THIS
THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS BEING MADE KNOWN. EVERY SPIRIT THAT CONFESSES JESUS
AS CHRIST HAVING COME IN THE FLESH IS FROM GOD. AND EVERY SPIRIT
THAT DOES NOT CONFESS JESUS IS NOT FROM GOD; THIS IS THE
SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST, OF WHICH YOU HAVE HEARD THAT IT IS COMING, AND
NOW IT IS ALREADY IN THE WORLD, cont.]:
G)
(1 Jn 4:4) YOU ARE FROM GOD, LITTLE CHILDREN, AND HAVE OVERCOME THEM -
THE SPIRITS OF THE ANTICHRISTS - BECAUSE GREATER IS HE WHO IS IN YOU
THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD
****** EXCERPT
FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
(1
Jn 2:12-14) AUTHOR JOHN WRITES TO HIS LITTLE CHILDREN BECAUSE THEIR SINS
HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN FOR CHRIST'S NAME SAKE. SO AUTHOR JOHN'S INTENDED
READERS ARE BELIEVERS - SAVED UNTO ETERNAL LIFE AND UNDER HIS
INSTRUCTION. AND OF THIS GROUP OF HIS CHILDREN, JOHN ADDRESSES AS "FATHERS"
WHOM HE DECLARED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM WHO IS FROM THE BEGINNING, IN THE
SENSE OF HAVING A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH God BEYOND THEIR
SALVATION EXPERIENCE. LIKEWISE JOHN ADDRESSES "YOUNG MEN" OF
THIS GROUP WHOM HE DECLARED TO HAVE OVERCOME THE EVIL ONE - THE DEVIL.
SCRIPTURE INDICATES THAT THIS IS DONE THROUGH A MOMENT OF FAITH IN
CHRIST WHEN ONE BECOMES A BELIEVER - BY THE GRACE OF GOD THROUGH HIS
SON. FINALLY, JOHN ONCE MORE ADDRESSES "LITTLE CHILDREN" OF
THIS GROUP WHOM HE DECLARED TO COME TO HAVE KNOWN GOD. SO THEY TOO HAVE
EXPERIENCED A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD BEYOND THEIR SALVATION
EXPERIENCE. THE WORDS "CHILDREN," "YOUNG MEN," AND "FATHERS"
EVIDENTLY IMPLY THAT AT TIMES CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD MAY BE
CHILDREN, YOUNG MEN OR FATHERS DEPENDING UPON THE MOMENT RELATIVE TO
THEIR FAITHFULNESS TO THE DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH IN THE WORD OF GOD
[Review
of 1 Jn 2:3-11]:
[Compare
1 Jn 2:14]:
[Compare
Jn 16:33]:
[Compare
1 Jn 3:8]:
[Compare
1 Jn 5:1-5]:
[Compare
1 Jn 2:14]:
[Compare
1 Jn 2:14a]:
[Compare
1 Jn 2:14b]:
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
G
cont) (1 Jn 4:4 cont.) YOU ARE FROM GOD, LITTLE CHILDREN, AND HAVE
OVERCOME THEM - THE SPIRITS OF THE ANTICHRISTS - BECAUSE GREATER IS HE
WHO IS IN YOU THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD (cont.)
****** EXCERPT
FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
(1
Jn 2:20) UNLIKE UNBELIEVERS - ESPECIALLY ANTICHRISTS - WHO DO NOT HAVE
THE TRUTH, BELIEVERS IN THE JERUSALEM CHURCH AND ALL BELIEVERS -
CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD, HAVE THE ANOINTING - THE INDWELLING HOLY
SPIRIT IN THEM - THROUGH WHOM THEY ALL KNOW THE TRUTH OF WHAT THEY HAVE
LEARNED AND BEEN TAUGHT FROM THE WORD OF GOD AS CONFIRMED [OUT OF] THE
SPIRIT OF GOD WITHIN THEM
[Compare
2 Cor 1:21-22]:
[Compare
Jn 14:26; 16:13]:
(1
Jn 2:21) (1 Jn 2:21) JOHN DID NOT WRITE TO HIS READERS BECAUSE THEY HAVE
NOT KNOWN THE TRUTH, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE KNOWN IT! AND
BECAUSE NO LIE IS OF THE TRUTH. FOR IF WHAT HIS READERS AND ALL CHILDREN
OF GOD, BORN OF GOD HAVE LEARNED FROM THE WORD OF GOD IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE FRAMEWORK IN WHICH IT WAS WRITTEN: A FRAMEWORK WHICH IS DEFINED BY
THE NORMATIVE RULES OF LANGUAGE, CONTEXT AND LOGIC AND WITHOUT IMPOSING
UNDUE, UNINTENDED MEANINGS TO IT; THEN A DEPARTURE FROM THAT TRUTH, EVEN
IF IN PARTIAL AGREEMENT, IS STILL A LIE AND NOT THE TRUTH ESPECIALLY
SINCE IN VIEW ARE ABSOLUTE TRUTHS FROM GOD AS COMPARED TO THE LIES OF
THE ANTICHRISTS WHO DENIED CHRIST HIMSELF - ANYTHING THAT DOES NOT
ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH GOD'S WORD
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
H)
(1 Jn 4:5) THE ANTICHRISTS ARE FROM THE WORLD; THEREFORE THEY SPEAK AS
FROM THE WORLD; AND THE WORLD LISTENS TO THEM
I)
(1 Jn 4:6) WE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD INCLUDING THE APOSTLES ARE
FROM GOD. HE WHO KNOWS GOD IN THE SENSE OF A CHILD OF GOD, BORN OF GOD
WHO IS ABIDING IN GOD'S WORD LISTENS TO US; HE WHO IS NOT FROM GOD WHICH
COULD INCLUDE A CHILD OF GOD, BORN OF GOD WHO DOES NOT ABIDE IN GOD'S
WORD, DOES NOT LISTEN TO US. BY THIS WE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD
KNOW THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR
1)
[Manuscript evidence for 1 Jn 4:6]:
2)
[1 Jn 4:6]:
****** EXCERPT
FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER THREE ******
(1
Jn 3:6 cont.) ...
EVERY
CHILD OF GOD WHILE HE SINS IS CHARACTERIZED AS HAVING NOT SEEN HIM, NOR
KNOWN HIM IN THE SENSE THAT HE IS ACTING APART FROM THE TRUTH ABOUT WHO
GOD IS - DENYING HIS ABSOLUTE RIGHTEOUSNESS. NOTE THAT THE NATURE FROM
WHICH COMES SINFUL ACTIONS AND THE NEW BORN OF GOD NATURE FROM WHICH
COMES GODLY RIGHTEOUSNESS HAVE BOTH BEEN IN VIEW IN THE CHILDREN OF GOD,
BORN OF GOD IN FIRST JOHN UP TO THIS POINT, (cont.)
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER THREE ******
****** EXCERPT
FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
(1
Jn 2:3) SINCE SALVATION UNTO ETERNAL LIFE IS RECEIVED ONLY BY A MOMENT
OF FAITH ALONE IN JESUS CHRIST ALONE WHEREIN THE ONE BELIEVING IN HIM
MAY KNOW OF CHRIST AS ONES SAVIOR; AND SINCE 1 JN 2:3 HAS IN VIEW AN
ALREADY SAVED INDIVIDUAL HAVING KNOWN GOD AT THOSE TIMES WHEN HE IS
CAREFULLY KEEPING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS; THEN 1 JN 2:3 DOES NOT HAVE IN
VIEW WHAT ONE MUST DO IN ORDER TO ACQUIRE OR MAINTAIN ETERNAL LIFE -
WHICH HE HAS ALREADY ACQUIRED. FURTHERMORE, SINCE 1 JN 2:3 HAS IN VIEW A
BELIEVER HAVING A CERTAIN KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AS A RESULT OF KEEPING GOD'S
COMMANDMENTS, THEN THAT WHICH IS IN VIEW IN 1 JN 2:3 IS A FURTHER
KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, BEYOND THE KNOWLEDGE ONE HAS OF GOD WHEN ONE HAS
BELIEVED IN JESUS CHRIST FOR ETERNAL LIFE
THE
PHRASE IN 1 JN 2:3 RENDERED "IF WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS"
CANNOT BE CONVEYING IN THE ABSOLUTE SENSE THE BELIEVER LEADING A SINLESS
LIFE OF ABSOLUTELY PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS. THIS WOULD CONTRADICT 1 JN 8,
10. BUT 1 JN 2:3 IS CONVEYING A BELIEVER LIVING IN A REMARKABLY
CONSISTENT PATTERN OF BEING IN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD BY WALKING IN THE
LIGHT OF HIS ABSOLUTE RIGHTEOUSNESS, CONSTANTLY CONFESSING HIS SINS TO
GOD AND OBEYING HIS COMMANDMENTS
[Compare
John 14:6-9]:
(1
Jn 2:3) 1 JN 2:3 CANNOT BE TAKEN AS A MEANS OF ATTAINING OR A WAY OF
KNOWING WHETHER OR NOT ONE IS REALLY SAVED UNTO ETERNAL LIFE BY KEEPING
GOD'S COMMANDMENTS. IT DOES ADDRESS WHETHER A BELIEVER
HAS A CERTAIN KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AS A RESULT OF KEEPING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS
- A KNOWLEDGE BEYOND THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND JESUS CHRIST WHICH
ONE ACQUIRES WHEN ONE HAS TRUSTED IN JESUS CHRIST FOR ETERNAL LIFE
(1
Jn 2:4-6) ANYONE WHO IS SAYING, 'I HAVE KNOWN HIM' AND IS NOT KEEPING
GOD'S COMMANDMENTS IS A LIAR, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM. AND WHOEVER
MAY KEEP HIS WORD, TRULY IN HIM THE LOVE OF GOD [HAS] BEEN PERFECTED /
MADE COMPLETE; IN THIS WE KNOW THAT IN HIM WE ARE. THE ONE WHO SAYS HE
ABIDES IN HIM OUGHT HIMSELF TO WALK IN THE SAME MANNER AS HE JESUS
CHRIST WALKED
[Compare
Lev 19:18]:
[Compare
Jn 14:21, 23 with 1 Jn 2:3, 5]:
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
J)
(1 Jn 4:7) BELOVED, (CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD), ARE EXHORTED TO
EXPRESS AGAPE, GODLY LOVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER BECAUSE AGAPE, GODLY LOVE
COMES FROM GOD; AND EVERY CHILD OF GOD, BORN OF GOD WHO EXPRESSES GODLY
LOVE TOWARD ANOTHER, ALBEIT IMPERFECTLY, DEMONSTRATES THAT HE IS BORN OF
GOD. AND BY THIS EXPRESSION HE DEMONSTRATES KNOWING GOD BEYOND HIS
SALVATION EXPERIENCE
1)
Manuscript evidence for 1 Jn 4:7
****** EXCERPT FROM
STUDY OF THE WORD LOVE ******
AGAPE
LOVE
****** END OF EXCERPT
FROM STUDY OF THE WORD LOVE ******
2)
[Compare 1 Jn 3:23-4:6 with 4:7]:
3)
[Compare 1 Jn 1:5-10 ]:
K)
(1 Jn 4:8) A CHILD OF GOD, BORN OF GOD WHO IS NOT LOVING A BROTHER DID
NOT KNOW GOD FROM THE TIME THAT THAT UNLOVING BEGAN. BECAUSE GOD IS
LOVE, I.E., BECAUSE AGAPE, GODLY LOVE IS AN ESSENCE OF GOD IT SHOULD BE
EXEMPLIFIED IN HIS CHILDREN, BORN OF HIM WHO ARE COMMANDED TO KNOW HIM.
IF AGAPE, GODLY LOVE IS NOT BEING EXPRESSED BY A CHILD OF GOD, BORN OF
GOD, THEN FROM THE BEGINNING OF THAT TIME THEY DID NOT KNOW GOD
****** EXCERPT
FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
(1
Jn 2:10-11) THE BELIEVER WHO LOVES HIS BROTHER WITH A GODLY, "AGAPE"
LOVE ABIDES IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S ABSOLUTE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND WHILE THIS
IS SO, THERE IS NO CAUSE FOR STUMBLING IN HIM - NO CAUSE FOR HIM TO FALL
INTO SIN NOR WALK IN DARKNESS / EVIL. BUT THE BELIEVER WHO HATES HIS
BROTHER WALKS / LIVES IN THE DARKNESS - THE EVIL OF THIS PRESENT AGE. HE
DOES NOT KNOW WHERE HE IS GOING BECAUSE THE DARKNESS CAUSED BY HIS
HATRED HAS BLINDED HIS EYES. HIS IS A LIFE WITHOUT DIRECTION - A LIFE
OUTSIDE OF ABIDING IN THE LIGHT OF THE ABSOLUTE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER TWO ******
L)
(1 Jn 4:9-10) BY THIS THE LOVE OF GOD WAS MANIFESTED AMONG CHILDREN OF
GOD, BORN OF GOD INCLUDING THE APOSTLES: THAT GOD SENT HIS ONE AND ONLY
SON INTO THE WORLD SO THAT THEY MIGHT LIVE THROUGH HIM IN THE SENSE OF
HAVING ETERNAL LIFE AND OF MANIFESTING THIS LOVE IN THEIR TEMPORAL
LIVES. (NOTE THAT ALL MANKIND MAY CHOOSE TO TRUST IN THE SON TO BECOME
CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD)
IN
THIS IS AGAPE, GODLY LOVE, NOT THAT THE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD
FIRST LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE FIRST LOVED THEM (AND ALL MANKIND) AND SENT
HIS SON [TO BE] THE PROPITIATION FOR THEIR SINS (AND THE SINS OF
ALL MANKIND)
1)
[1 Jn 4:9 CBL Interlinear]:
2)
[Compare Jn 1:1, 14 ,
34 ]:
3)
[Compare Jn 3:16 ]:
4)
[Compare 1 Jn 2:2]:
5)
[Compare 1 Jn 3:1]:
M)
(1 Jn 4:11) BELOVED, (CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD), SINCE GOD SO LOVED
US THAT HE SENT HIS SON TO BE THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS, THEN WE
ALSO OUGHT TO EXPRESS AGAPE, GODLY LOVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER
1)
[Compare Jn 3:16 ]:
N)
(1 Jn 4:12) NO ONE HAS SEEN GOD AT ANY TIME; IF CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF
GOD, LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD ABIDES IN THEM, AND HIS LOVE IS HAVING BEEN
PERFECTED - MADE COMPLETE - IN THEM
1)
[Compare Jn 1:18]:
N
cont.) (1 Jn 4:12 cont.) NO ONE HAS SEEN GOD AT ANY TIME; IF WE CHILDREN
OF GOD, BORN OF GOD, LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD ABIDES IN US, AND HIS LOVE IS
HAVING BEEN PERFECTED - MADE COMPLETE - IN US, (cont.)
2)
[Compare 1 Jn 2:5 ]:
3)
[Compare 1 Jn 3:16, 23, 24]:
O)
(1 Jn 4:13) BY THIS, WE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD KNOW THAT WE ABIDE
IN HIM AND HE IN US, BECAUSE HE HAS GIVEN US AGAPE, GODLY LOVE TO
EXPRESS TOWARD HIMSELF AND FELLOW CHILDREN OF GOD OUT OF HIS SPIRIT
****** EXCERPT
FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER THREE ******
(1
Jn 3:24) THE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD, WHO GUARDEDLY KEEP GOD'S
COMMANDMENTS, ALBEIT IMPERFECTLY, ABIDE IN GOD, AND HE IN THEM. THEY
KNOW BY THIS THAT GOD ABIDES IN THEM BY, I.E., OUT OF THE SPIRIT WHOM HE
GAVE THEM AS CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER THREE ******
O
cont.) (1 Jn 4:13 cont.) BY THIS, WE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD KNOW
THAT WE ABIDE IN HIM AND HE IN US, BECAUSE HE HAS GIVEN US AGAPE, GODLY
LOVE TO EXPRESS TOWARD HIMSELF AND FELLOW CHILDREN OF GOD OUT OF HIS
SPIRIT, (cont.)
P)
(1 Jn 4:14) AND SO WE - WE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD, APOSTLES
INCLUDED - AS A RESULT OF EXPRESSING AGAPE LOVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER, AND
ABIDING IN GOD AND HE IN THEM BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN THEM, HAVE THEREBY
SEEN WITHIN THEIR OWN MINDS AND TESTIFY TO THOSE AROUND THEM THAT THE
FATHER HAS SENT THE SON TO BE THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. THIS CONFESSION
CONFIRMS THEIR SALVATION UNTO ETERNAL LIFE EXPERIENCE AND THEIR ABIDING
IN GOD AND HIS ABIDING IN THEM
1)
[Review of 1 Jn 4:7-13]:
2)
[1 Jn 4:14]:
3)
[Compare 1 Jn 1:1-4 ]:
Q)
(1 Jn 4:15) WHOEVER CONFESSES THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, GOD ABIDES
IN HIM, AND HE IN GOD
1)
[Manuscript evidence for 1 Jn 4:15]:
2)
[Review of 1 Jn 4:7-14]:
3)
[1 Jn 4:15]:
4)
[Compare 1 Jn 5:1a]:
5)
[Compare 1 Jn 2:23]:
6)
[Compare 1 Jn 3:23]:
R)
(1 Jn 4:16) AND SO THOSE - THOSE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD INCLUDING
THE APOSTLES WHO HAVE KNOWN AND HAVE BELIEVED THE AGAPE LOVE THAT GOD
HAS TOWARD THEM, ALBEIT IMPERFECTLY: AS GOD IS LOVE, SO THOSE WHO ARE
REMAINING IN HIS LOVE, IN GOD THEY REMAIN AND HE IN THEM
1)
[Manuscript evidence 1 Jn 4:16]:
2)
[Review of 1 Jn 4:7-15]:
3)
[1 Jn 4:16]:
4)
[Compare 1 Jn 4:7-8]:
S)
(1 Jn 4:17a) GOD'S AGAPE LOVE HAS BEEN PERFECTED / MADE
COMPLETE IN THOSE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD WHILE THEY HAVE BELIEVED
THE AGAPE LOVE THAT GOD HAS TOWARD THEM AND HAVE REMAINED IN HIS LOVE -
VIA EXPRESSING IT TOWARD HIM AND TOWARD ONE ANOTHER, THUS REMAINING IN
GOD AND HE IN THEM. THIS - GOD'S PERFECTING - IS SO THAT THEY MAY HAVE
BOLDNESS / CONFIDENCE IN THE DAY OF THEIR JUDGMENT: BECAUSE
AS CHRIST IS RIGHTEOUS, SO ARE THEY ACCOUNTED BY GOD AS RIGHTEOUS AS THE
SON OF GOD BY THE GRACE OF GOD EVEN WHILE THEY ARE IN THE WORLD - IN
THEIR MORTAL BODIES WHILE THEY REMAIN IN GOD'S LOVE
1)
[Manuscript evidence 1 Jn 4:17]:
2)
[1 Jn 1:7; 3:2-3]:
3)
[1 Jn 4:17a]:
****** EXCERPT
FROM 1 JOHN CHAPTER 2 ******
(1
Jn 2:28) NOW, LITTLE CHILDREN - AND ALL CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD -
ABIDE IN JESUS CHRIST, I.E., ABIDE IN WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD FROM GOD'S
WORD FROM THE BEGINNING OF YOUR SALVATION UNTO ETERNAL LIFE EXPERIENCE
SO THAT WHEN HE APPEARS (TO TAKE YOU FROM THE EARTH TO BE WITH HIM
FOREVER), YOU MAY HAVE BOLD ASSURANCE AT HIS JUDGMENT OF YOUR
FAITHFULNESS, AND NOT SHRINK AWAY FROM HIM IN SHAME
[Compare
Mt 25:31a Interlinear]:
[Compare
2 Cor 5:10]:
[Compare
1 Cor 3:11-15]:
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM 1 JOHN CHAPTER 2 ******
S
cont.) (1 Jn 4:17a cont.) GOD'S AGAPE LOVE HAS BEEN
PERFECTED / MADE COMPLETE IN THOSE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD WHILE
THEY HAVE BELIEVED THE AGAPE LOVE THAT GOD HAS TOWARD THEM AND HAVE
REMAINED IN HIS LOVE - VIA EXPRESSING IT TOWARD HIM AND TOWARD ONE
ANOTHER, THUS REMAINING IN GOD AND HE IN THEM. THIS - GOD'S PERFECTING -
IS SO THAT THEY MAY HAVE BOLDNESS / CONFIDENCE IN THE DAY OF THEIR
JUDGMENT: BECAUSE AS CHRIST IS RIGHTEOUS, SO ARE THEY
ACCOUNTED BY GOD AS RIGHTEOUS AS THE SON OF GOD BY THE GRACE OF GOD EVEN
WHILE THEY ARE IN THE WORLD - IN THEIR MORTAL BODIES WHILE THEY REMAIN
IN GOD'S LOVE, (cont.)
4)
[Compare 1 Jn 2:28]:
S
cont.) (1 Jn 4:17b) GOD'S AGAPE LOVE HAS BEEN PERFECTED / MADE COMPLETE
IN THOSE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD WHILE THEY HAVE BELIEVED THE AGAPE
LOVE THAT GOD HAS TOWARD THEM AND HAVE REMAINED IN HIS LOVE - VIA
EXPRESSING IT TOWARD HIM AND TOWARD ONE ANOTHER, THUS REMAINING IN GOD
AND HE IN THEM. THIS - GOD'S PERFECTING - IS SO THAT THEY MAY HAVE
BOLDNESS / CONFIDENCE IN THE DAY OF THEIR JUDGMENT: BECAUSE
AS CHRIST IS, SO ARE THEY IN THIS WORLD ACCOUNTED BY GOD TO BE - BY THE
GRACE OF GOD WHILE THEY REMAIN IN GOD'S LOVE, (cont.)]:
5)
[Compare 1 Jn 3:2-3]:
T)
(1 Jn 4:18-19) THE FEAR OF GOD'S JUDGMENT UNTO PUNISHMENT IS NOT A
COMPONENT OF THE AGAPE LOVE WHICH GOD HAS PERFECTED / MADE COMPLETE IN
THE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD WHO AND WHILE THEY HAVE BEEN EXPRESSING
AGAPE LOVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER AND GOD, ALBEIT IMPERFECTLY. FOR AGAPE
LOVE WHEN PERFECTED BY GOD CASTS OUT FEAR. HENCE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN
OF GOD WHO HAVE A FEAR OF GOD'S JUDGMENT UNTO PUNISHMENT HAVE NOT BEEN
MADE PERFECT IN GOD'S AGAPE LOVE - THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABIDING IN GOD'S
LOVE. WHEN CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD EXPRESS AGAPE, GODLY LOVE
TOWARD GOD, THEY DO SO BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED THEM
****** EXCERPT
FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER THREE ******
(1
Jn 3:18-20) AUTHOR AND APOSTLE JOHN CONCLUDES THE TOPIC OF EXPRESSING
AGAPE, GODLY LOVE TO THE BRETHREN: 'MY LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US NOT LOVE
WITH WORD OR WITH TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND TRUTH.' AND BY OUR EXPRESSIONS
OF AGAPE, GODLY LOVE ALBEIT IMPERFECT - WE WILL KNOW THAT WE ARE OF THE
TRUTH; AND [WE] WILL ASSURE / CONVINCE OUR HEARTS BEFORE GOD THAT WE ARE
OF THE TRUTH. BUT IF OUR HEARTS CONDEMN US FOR NOT LOVING THE BRETHREN
IN A GODLY MANNER, GOD IS GREATER THAN OUR HEARTS; AND BECAUSE HE KNOWS
ALL THINGS, SO BY HIS GRACE HE WILL GRANT / CONFIRM TO US IN OUR HEARTS
THAT OUR EXPRESSION OF AGAPE, GODLY LOVE ARE OF THE TRUTH
****** END
OF EXCERPT FROM FIRST JOHN CHAPTER THREE ******
T
cont.) (1 Jn 4:18-19 cont.) THE FEAR OF GOD'S JUDGMENT UNTO PUNISHMENT
IS NOT A COMPONENT OF THE AGAPE LOVE WHICH GOD HAS PERFECTED / MADE
COMPLETE IN THE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD WHO HAVE BEEN EXPRESSING
AGAPE LOVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER AND GOD, ALBEIT IMPERFECTLY. FOR AGAPE
LOVE WHEN PERFECTED BY GOD CASTS OUT FEAR. HENCE CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN
OF GOD WHO HAVE A FEAR OF GOD'S JUDGMENT UNTO PUNISHMENT HAVE NOT BEEN
MADE PERFECT IN GOD'S AGAPE LOVE - THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABIDING IN GOD'S
LOVE. WHEN CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD EXPRESS AGAPE, GODLY LOVE
TOWARD GOD, THEY DO SO BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED THEM, (cont.)
1)
[Manuscript evidence for 1 Jn 4:19]:
2)
[1 Jn 4:19]:
3)
[Compare 1 Jn 4:9-10]:
U)
(1 Jn 4:20) IF A CHILD OF GOD, BORN OF GOD SAYS 'I LOVE GOD' AND HATES
HIS BROTHER IN THE FAITH, HE IS A LIAR; FOR A CHILD OF GOD, BORN OF GOD
WHO DOES NOT LOVE HIS BROTHER WHOM HE HAS SEEN, HE CANNOT LOVE GOD WITH
THAT SAME AGAPE, GODLY, SELF-SACRIFICIAL LOVE AS GOD LOVED US WHEN HE
GAVE UP HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, WHOM HE HAS NOT SEEN
1)
[Manuscript evidence 1 Jn 4:20]:
2)
[1 Jn 4:20]:
3)
[Compare 1 Jn 2:5]:
4)
[Compare 1 Jn 3:23]:
5)
[Compare 1 Jn 3:17]:
6)
[Compare 1 Jn 4:10]:
V)
(1 Jn 4:21) CHILDREN OF GOD, BORN OF GOD INCLUDING THE APOSTLES ARE
COMMANDED BY GOD / JESUS CHRIST: THOSE WHO LOVE GOD SHOULD LOVE ONE
ANOTHER ALSO - THE TWO GO HAND IN HAND
1)
[Manuscript evidence 1 Jn 4:21]:
2)
[Compare 1 Jn 2:10]:
3)
[Compare 1 Jn 3:11, 16-17, 23; cf. Jn 13:34]:
1
JN CHAPTER FIVE
