Day 358 Reading Schedule: : 1 John 1-3

1 John 1: God, Life and Light
[Summary]
The author omits the usual greetings and mention of the recipients. Instead, the author asserts that he has heard, seen, and known the Word of Life himself, and hints that the basic content of this message is about fellowship among the saints and fellowship with God (vv. 1-4). Since God is light, the saints cannot have fellowship with God unless they live a pure and transparent life befitting Him. This pure life can be obtained through the sacrificial act of Christ, who is the saints’ permanent advocate. Therefore, believers must always confess their sins and experience the fullness of the Lord, who is faithful and righteous (vv. 5-10).
John testified to the deception of Christ, who is eternal life and the Word. The gospel of Christ was testified based on the experiential faith of the apostles, in order to enable sinners to have fellowship with God. Fellowship with God, who is eternal life, meant the salvation of mankind.

1 John 2: The Acts of Fellowship
[Summary]
Those who know God must obey God's commandments (vv. 1-6). The new commandment demands the practice of love. Just as darkness and hatred coexist, so do light and love (vv. 7-11). This life of fellowship applies to all people of all ages, regardless of gender or age (vv. 12-14). The saints must not love the world (vv. 15-17). Many antichrists have already appeared. They are those who deny Jesus Christ. Christians must believe in the promise of eternal life and practice righteousness (vv. 18-29).
The apostle John, who introduced Jesus Christ whom he witnessed on the battlefield, told Christians who belong to God to practice God's commandments in the world where the antichrist is active. By doing so, he emphasized that they must deal with the temptation of the antichrist. He especially tells them to practice God's commandments with love.

1 John 3: Children of God
[Summary]
The privileges of believers are presented. The core of the privilege is the assurance that they will become like Christ (vv. 1-3). Next, sin is considered as lawlessness. However, believers have nothing to fear as long as they abide in Christ. There is no sin in their lives in terms of habitual attitudes of the heart. Since they are children of God, in contrast to the children of the devil, they must act properly and love their brothers (vv. 4-10). The contrast between Cain and Abel explains the importance of loving one another. In contrast to hatred, which is tantamount to murder, love is sacrificial in nature. Therefore, a confession of faith without works is wrong (vv. 11-18). Believers must enjoy assurance before God. If their hearts do not condemn them, they can enjoy assurance. If there is self-reproach, God will comfort them, but it is also emphasized that believers have a responsibility to love again (vv. 19-24).
Unlike the contents of chapters 1 and 2 on fellowship, this chapter deals specifically with the saints who have become children of God through the peace offering of Christ. In this chapter, John specifically emphasizes those who are born of God, and thus mentions that we are children of God. Children of God must love others with actions and truth.