Christ in 1 John

First John opens as the Gospel of John opens - with the Word - but here the Word is testimony a man can stake his life on. John writes of One which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life (v. 1). The life was manifested ; it is that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us (v. 2). This is the same Word of whom it is written, In the be…

Christ Connection - Jesus Christ the Righteous

The text names the Advocate with care: not simply Jesus, but "Jesus Christ the righteous." A defender in a courtroom can only argue from what is true, and the next verse tells us what He brings to the bench. He is the propitiation for our sins. So when He stands beside the guilty before the Father, He points to His own offering already made. His righteousness is the ground of the defense, and His sacrifice is the evidence laid before the court. The verdict rests on Him.

Christ Connection - The Son Shows the Father's Love

Jesus came to show us the Father's love. "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). Every act of Jesus - healing the sick, feeding the hungry, laying down His life - is the Father's love made visible. When you see Jesus weeping at Lazarus's tomb, you see how the Father loves. When you see Jesus die for sinners, you see the Father's heart. The manner of love John asks you to behold is the love of the Father poured out through Christ.

Christ Connection - God Is Love Incarnate

In Jesus, you see what "God is love" looks like in human form. He washed disciples’ feet. He ate with tax collectors. He healed the sick and touched the untouchable. He spent Himself for others. And finally, He laid down His life. Love is not a theory God holds. Love is a life God lived. Love is the cross. When you look at Jesus, you are looking at the character of God poured into flesh and blood.

Christ Connection - The Object of All Faith

Christ is the exclusive object of saving faith. John is clear: belief in Jesus as the Christ is what marks you as born of God - faith in Christ specifically, not a general spiritual sentiment. He is the center of everything. All roads lead to Him.