In the first chapter verses 1 to 3 we have the Lord Jesus Christ presented to us as the Word of Life, that is God incarnate. Verses 3 and 4 bring us fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Verse 5 presents to us the fact that God is light. This of course speaks of His holy character, and adds the fact that in Him is no darkness at all. In verse 7 we find that fellowship is dependant upon walking in the light. That is the spotlight of the scriptures shines on our life so that our walk may be guided and modified by it.

From verse 8 to chapter 2 verses 1 and 2 we find the necessary instructions to adjust our life to maintain fellowship with our God. The terrible truth is that we may sin, and if we do provision is made for confession and restoration thus demonstrating the infinite grace, mercy, and love of God towards His own children. The practical effect of experiencing the infinite grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in the cross, and the infinite grace of the Father in our walk is a tighter bond between the believer and his God. How do we know who is in fellowship with his God? The answer is in verse 3.

And hereby we do know that we know ginosko; knowing, indicates relationship

Him, if we keep His commandments tereo; keep, observe

In the subject of fellowship the word "know" in this verse is of vital importance. It indicates a personal relationship between the person knowing and the person known. In this case the believer and God. The importance of this verse is further amplified in that it gives a test for the individual believer whereby he may evaluate this relationship of fellowship. The test is very simple. When the christian can say, "I know that I have fellowship with God who is in light because I keep His commandments", he indeed has fellowship with his God. Of course the converse is true. The believer who does not keep His commandments is walking in darkness. That is obvious to all.

He that saith, I know Him, and ginosko; as above

How terribly, terribly true it is that many christians fall into that condemnation. It matters little whether it is by lack of interest in, or by willful ignorance of the scriptures, noncompliance with them indicates the person is not in fellowship with his God. It should not be necessary to point out that the errant one in this case is not walking in the light. If he is not walking in the light then fellowship is broken with those that are. The statement in this verse leaves no other interpretation. The disobedient christian who claims he is in fellowship with his brethren is a liar. Beware of him!!!

In this verse we have the negative which allows the believer walking in the light to determine just with whom he does have fellowship. This statement demands that the faithful one carefully examine the behaviour of those with whom he would associate. Note must be taken of the practical and outward behaviour, and doctrine of that associate. In actual spiritual fact no real fellowship exists between one walking in the light, and the disobedient walking in darkness. The Holy Spirit makes this obvious to the obedient one. The disobedient believer has marred his testimony, and his witness as a royal priest no longer exists.

But whoso keepeth His Word, in tereo; shall observe, keep

Now this verse is firstly for inward examination. No doubt it states an absolute fact. Whoever shall keep the Word of God, in reality, comes to recognise, or becomes aware of the fact that he is in Christ. This is a continuous process, and as the "light" is applied to our soul, and as we respond in obedience the love of God is brought to completion in us. The new nature given at salvation desires to feed upon our daily bread, and to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ.

Watch the life of those who profess salvation by faith in Christ. The instant result is the same as that of apostle Paul on the road to Damascus who said, "And he said, who art thou, Lord.......And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do." Acts 9:5-6. Without this response one must seriously doubt that any transaction between the Lord and the sinner has taken place. The apostle John in chapter 2 verses 3 to 6 brings us back to that place and time, and they give us a method whereby we may test ourselves as to whether we be in the faith or not. At salvation the Holy Spirit brings the claims of the Lord Jesus Christ in power to the heart. There is an inward determination to do the will of God. The Word of God is more important than necessary food.

All the wiles of Satan are then brought against such a person in order that the believer's testimony may be destroyed. One must never forget that "Obedience is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1Sam.15:22. Who then sets the standard for obedience? Without question, the Lord Jesus Christ. "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil.2:8. He is the standard.

We have just noted the walk of the Lord. He was obedient unto death. This verse plainly says that if we claim to abide in Him we ought to conduct ourselves as He conducted Himself. In fact it is more than that, it is a plain command. However this is not a command of a tyrant, but rather the command of One who loved us and gave Himself for us. He is the one through whom we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. He is the one whose bride we are. He has loved us with an everlasting love. Our walking in the light brings these facts, and many others powerfully to our mind, and we are drawn to Him in love. Our power to obey is fuelled by our love for Him, and our love is gained by walking in the light in fellowship with the Father and His Son.

God is light and we have been brought into the light. In fact "ye are all children of the light, and children of the day..." 1Thes.5:5. The light has been now focused on us, and deviation from that light is brought home to the conscience in power by the Holy Spirit, and we have a Father who expects His children to emulate and honour Him. It is scriptures like," I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be ye not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Rom.12:1-2. This is the least we can do in response to all that has been done for us.

In the previous verses we have been reading that obedience is the first and foremost duty of the christian. It must be stressed however that it is not an obedience which the individual thinks is right, that must be repeated, it is not an obedience which the individual thinks is right, but it is obedience, to the will of God as revealed in the Word of God, because we love Him who first loved us. This will be communicated to us by way of the Holy Spirit enlightening that very Word of God and applying it to our heart.

commandment unto you, but an old entole; command, charge, injunction

the beginning. The old commandment arche; beginning, active cause

We must always keep in mind that the gospel of John and his epistle have much in common, and so it is here. He is saying that he is not giving them a new commandment, but he would be repeating an old one. That commandment we will find in his gospel. "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another", Jno.13: 34. This is indeed a profound statement apart from the fact that it was a commandment.

The Lord was going away. He knew that the disciples could not understand that at the time, but the fact was that they needed to know the real spirit of their calling. He had set them a standard that they were familiar with, and he was calling them to do as He had done. However there was more to it than that. His love for them was to be demonstrated on the cross, and they were to behold an infinite love far beyond anything they had ever contemplated.

They were commanded to love each other as He had loved them. Now that love was "agape" love, a determination to do good to someone in whom they may see no value. Now the natural man is not capable of reaching such a standard. It is only the spiritual christian who is walking in the light as He is in the light, and is being led directly and empowered by the Holy Spirit that can keep this commandment. This the Lord knew so we find in the same gospel, "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of Truth", Jno.14: 16.

They were to be given the Holy Spirit who would to lead them into all truth, and be in them forever. He would enable them to keep the commandment mentioned above.

He and He alone enables the new nature to do as we are bidden. We then can love as He loved. Now it is most important to note that there was a reason for them to "agape" love one another. That was, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another." Jno.13.35. This love does not necessarily mean that affection is involved, but that there must be an attitude, which is determined to "do good" to all the brethren. Of course we will do good to those for whom we have affection, but in this case we are to do good to those who may be opposed to us but are still our brethren. This is the indication to the world that we are christians. There will of necessity be divisions, but let us not be the cause, but rather the binding. Let us emulate Christ.

because the darkness is past, and the true parago; pass away

light now shineth Phaino; cause to appear

The interesting point here is that the old commandment is the same as the new commandment, and perhaps some may wonder at this. First of all the Word of God is absolutely true. He never makes a mistake, but we certainly do. Our safety is in believing what God says. In John's gospel when this commandment was first spoken it could only be true of the originator of the statement who was its very source. It is what the Lord Jesus Christ was by nature. However it was definitely and positively not true of the hearers at that time.

The difference between the two statements, the one here and the other in the gospel was simply death, burial, and resurrection. Because we read, "therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." 2Cor5: 17. The resurrection has occurred and the believers have received the Holy Spirit to dwell within. Not only are they a completely new creation (new nature and thing), but also they have the power to be like their Lord. This commandment can now be obeyed. We have His life. This is true of our standing before our God.

What is true of our standing before God is not necessarily true of our personal state of soul. We can be walking according to the old nature, which is sinful, and can do nothing but sin, or we can walk according to the Spirit. That is our choice. John, in this epistle, is looking at our standing before God in this particular verse. He is looking at things that ought to be in our life.

John then says the darkness is passing, and the true light is now shining. Of course all the darkness is not gone. For as the day approaches when the true light shall shine in all its resplendent glory there will still be some darkness to pass away. We read that the churches' testimony will not brighten as the day of His coming approaches, but rather it will be clouded with darkness. It does not reflect truly the light of the Lord except in a very few cases.

What we have said is that after the resurrection the light of the Lord shines in on the believer who then has the ability to show forth that true light. Resurrection has made that possible, but whether that true light is reflected out into the world is entirely up to the individual christian. How one may ask? It is by obedience to His will. Has this happened? No, generally it has not. That is our fault, as we are not operating as royal priests.

He that saith he is in the light, lego; speak, affirm,

and hateth his brother, is in miseo, malicious unjustifiable feelings toward others

The word "Saying" in this epistle had a bad meaning. It is akin to boasting. It is true to say that christians who are in the light, as this verse says, do not talk about it. This is so because they realise that words mean very little. It is the working out of it in the life that is important to the spiritual christian. One can generally say that those who claim to be in the light or filled with the spirit are boasting. This is an evil fruit of the old nature, and proves they are self-centred. Why does not a spiritual christian boast or make anything of his spiritual gifts? Simply because these gifts are not his. In the final analysis the Lord at His sovereign will has lent them to him. The spiritual christian boasts about the Lord, and does not concentrate on any gift that he may have. His one purpose in life is to obey the One who loved him and gave Himself for him. Having said that now look at the verse. These brethren say they are in the light. It is a provable a boast because their actions were from the very pit of hell. Were they christians? Yes they were. Were they walking in the light? No they were not. Were they a testimony for the Lord? No they were not. Their testimony had the breath of demons. The terrible truth in this matter is that a person does not have to say he hates his brother. It is actions that are judged in this case. The statement is clearly "hateth his brother", not "says he hates his brother".

1. What is hatred?

2. What does hatred signify?

Hatred is simply not "agape" love, and it is discernible by actions more graphically than words. We have seen that "agape" love is a determination to do good to all. To those we like as well as to those we may not like. It is easy to do good to those we like, but for those we do not like the natural inclination is, to keep away from, slight, avoid, gossip about, slander, and argue with them to win a point. These are just some of the things that come naturally when dealing with those we do not like, be they brethren or unsaved. That is hatred!! How do we measure up?

Furthermore are we indifferent to their problems? Do we gloat when we see their trouble or chastisement? Do we have a "serves you right attitude?" All these attitudes are evil. They range from indifference and avoidance to bad actions and stinging words leveled at those we do not like. None of the things listed in these two paragraphs are "agape" love or any other love for that matter. We should judge ourselves, and make sure we do not fall into that category. If we do not care then we are carnal indeed, and can look forward to the chastisement of God. One hopes that the carnal christian will see the light, and return to the Lord.

The evil actions above clearly indicate that we are in darkness. There is no illuminating light from the Lord or His Word. It is far worse than we can imagine, as we will see in chapter 3. "Whoso hateth his brother is a murderer;" 1Jno3: 15. What, just because I treat a brother with indifference, avoidance etc, I am a murderer? That is what the Word of God says!! Because I do not do good to my brother the scripture has much to say about me. It says I am "in (the) darkness even until now." I am indeed a carnal christian. I have no concern for any except my close friends. I have not recognised that I am out of fellowship with the Lord. My prayer should be, Lord help me

This is a specific darkness, the ignorance and non-revelation of God. The true light shines, but it is not seen. The christian in that darkness which cannot comprehend the light, is the darkness of the old nature. It can only sin. If we have a quarrel with any, we do not love. If we avoid any, we do not love. If we have no concern for others we have no love. This is the measure, and if we do not meet the mark, confess our sin and turn to the Lord in contrition.

No doubt the word says, "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." 2Tim.2: 2, but note it says with all longsuffering. There is never to be an argument. It is in meekness, humility, and "agape" love that this is done. It is done with the definite purpose of restoring the one in darkness to fellowship with the Lord in light. For those who confuse "agape" love with affection it is hatred to see your brother in the darkness of doctrine, and not try and restore such a one. We repeat; it is evil not to try and enlighten the one in darkness, by our love. If you do not reprove in love as the Holy Spirit leads then you yourself are in darkness.

He that loveth his brother agapao; love to an unworthy object

abideth in the light, and there memo; remain, continue

is none occasion of stumbling skandalon; trap, stumblingblock

We have seen what love is not in the paragraphs above, but here love means a determination to do good, to assist, help, improve the position of, and to do good to all. This includes those who are opposed to us. It is an attitude that reflects that of the Lord Himself who loved us and gave Himself for us. It is most important to remember that both discipline, and reproof given in love, meekness, and humility are acts of love, and if not given then it is hatred. If love is our attitude we remain in the light. That is, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son as well as the brethren.

In this position we will not have an attitude that will hinder the spiritual progress of any christian, but rather edify him, and draw him closer to the Lord. The original Greek word for "stumbling block" was skandalon and initially meant the bait in a trap. How appropriate that is.

The glib speaker proposes a wrong doctrine, which lures and traps the unwary and unlearned, because it seems attractive, and appeals to the flesh. Recovery from this trap of Satan is only a maybe. See 2Tim.2: 24-26.

It is the spiritual christian who is in the light who is keenly aware that he is to be an example to all. He remembers the apostle Paul's words, "Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God." 1Cor.10: 32. That is clearly the opposite of the walker in darkness. Some may wonder how any christian could be so evil as to have their brethren bound in Satan's chains. It is possible because a christian can become so carnal and disobedient to the Word of God that he may not be aware of what he is doing. It is more likely, however, that the Lord had already chastised him and he has hardened his heart. There are those who look for base gain that is by making a name for themselves. Furthermore the Lord allows them to operate as they are used to test other christians' love and obedience to their Lord.

hath blinded his eyes tuphloo; blind, dull the intellect

Two things become very apparent in this verse. First we read, "he that hateth his brother is in darkness". Second, "and walketh in darkness," It shows that this person is in a state of darkness, and that he is actually committing deeds of darkness. As an earlier writer has said, "Words and deeds proclaim his state. What are his words? 'He hateth his brother.' What are his deeds? 'He hateth his brother. He walketh in darkness. W.Kelly's, "Epistles of John".

No doubt the Holy Spirit will try to convict such a carnal believer. He may hear the words, " Awake thou that sleepeth, and arise from (among) the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." Eph.5: 14. It reminds us of the verse, "Arise, shine: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Isa.60: 1. Until that happens, and the errant one turns to the Lord for forgiveness he has no real spiritual purpose because his spiritual intellect is dulled.

There seems to be two tests for the spiritual christian, the first is obedience, and the second is love. It is true to say that unless the person loves the Lord it is impossible to love his brother. Now, under no circumstances is affectionate love intended here. Love for the Lord is motivated by the fact that He gave His all for me. I feel the tremendous, infinite debt that I owe. I was a dead man, but now I have life. This should be the attitude of all the saved ones. Now it behoves us to be firmly established in our love for Him, and to know what it means.

The above sentiments of the believer are true at conversion, but it seems all are easily turned away from the Lord to something or someone else. We are turned aside because we fail here, "If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love." Jno.15: 10. This is a statement of fact; to abide in His love you must keep His commandments. Note this command; "Keep yourselves in the Love of God..." Jude 21. Now we know what to do, and how to do it. How many christians do we hear "saying" I love the Lord? Quite a number, but when we examine their life we find that the commandments of the Lord mean very little to them.

We can measure our love for the Lord very simply. Let us note, "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." Jno.14: 21. Fortunately it is difficult for the spiritual christian to measure his love as he will always feel short of the mark, but it is true to say those who claim great love for the Lord are found to be short on two counts. First they are almost always invariably boasting which is outright sin, and secondly their obedience to the scriptures is seen to be sadly lacking. It is not that we say, but what we are and what we do that is a measure of our love. Others are more accurate judges of our spiritual position than we are ourselves. To judge ourselves we should first ask, is everything we do according to the scriptures, and, am I not doing what is written.

We have seen that our love is dependent on our obedience whereas disobedience to the Word of God shows a total lack of love for the Lord. Now the more we obey the word of God the closer we will be drawn to the Lord. Then our love for the unsaved increases, and so does our love for the brethren. The guiding principal over and above all this is our heeding the leading of the Holy Spirit.

5

He will lead us into all truth. That simply means that He will bring the scriptures before us and give us the ability to understand them. He will convict us of our sin, and we must confess it. "He faithful and just to forgives us our sin", and also the power to forsake it.

In summary on the matter of "agape" love we must go back to verse 5. "Whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: "hereby know we that we are in Him." This is a statement of fact. There is no argument whatsoever. Similarly the opposite is equally true, whoso keepeth not His Word, in him is the love of God not perfected. It is incredible to think that there are christians who say they love God and disobey His commandments. This is a bald face untruth. There is no middle ground. You either keep His Word or thereby prove you love Him, or you don't keep His Word and don't love Him. Let us examine ourselves!

I write unto you, little children teknion; child, disciples addressed

because your sins are forgiven aphieme; remit, forgive

This verse commences a new section in this chapter, and it is most important to note that it ends at verse 27. We have seen the connection between obedience and love above, but now we will note the stages of spiritual maturity. First of all, however, he addresses all three grades by the words "little children" thereby showing his affection for all of them. Also he commences with the common ground for all, their sins forgiven for His names sake.

Sins forgiven are the commencing point for all. It the point at which we came to know the Lord crucified for us. It was there we realised he died on the cross bearing our sins in His own body, and paid the penalty for sin in full which is death. There is no other starting point, as the sin question must be settled between the sinner and his Lord. We believe, and our sin is forgiven. The Holy Spirit then dwells within, and tells us we are born of God. We need no one to tell us.

The believer's sins are forgiven for His names sake. How sadly true it is that many christians do not believe God's Word, and in doing so doubts creep in and Satan soon attacks with all kinds of evil doctrine. In almost all cases these doubts arise because of our feelings. We feel shattered when we sin, which at first may be a shock to us, because we may have thought that christians could not sin. We say to ourselves, how can I, a guilty sinner, have eternal life? What is happening here is that we are occupied with our feelings, our thoughts, our position, with doubts about our salvation, which is without question sin in itself. Why? Because we are occupied with that which is totally evil in the first place, and not occupied with the Lord and His work. What does occupy mean in this case? It means that the main thing in our thinking is ourselves, not the Lord.

Even worse with respect to thinking that you can be saved and lost is the lack of the knowledge of the following things:

1. God Himself

2. The work of the Lord Jesus Christ

3. The Word of God, and

4. What the individual is.

Strange as it may seem many christians do not really know God. It is true to say that they are aware He is in heaven, but when it comes to His personality He is unknown. The tendency then is to bring Him down to human terms and traits. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is not possible to fully describe the attributes of God, but we can only give an outline of them.

In Isaiah the Seraphims said, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory." Isa.6: 3. Again "Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." Rev.15: 4. Holiness is the whole character of God.

God acts from the sum total of His personality, and not from parts of it. In human terms holiness is called integrity. That is a "strict abiding by a code of moral values, and uncompromising honesty." Furthermore He is a Spirit and is eternal and infinite.

The Greek word is "dikaiosune", and one definition in Greece before the Lord's time was, "the thinking of a judge in allotting to each one what is due to him." That is from the justice point of view as both are very much interrelated. When we speak of God being righteous we mean "just without prejudice or partiality, and without variableness". His righteousness is the set infinite standard for creation. We can see that we are talking about a standard of behaviour, and that standard is consistent with the perfect character and integrity of God.

Now we can say the justice of God is His integrity in action, therefore His justice is governed by His righteousness. What He is determines His judgments. He is not fickle, and there is no variableness in His findings. If He says, "the wages of sin is death" that is an absolute statement. That cannot change. Because God's attributes are perfect in every respect His statements are binding upon Himself as well as others. If this were not so He could never be trusted. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Jas.1: 17.

Other attributes of God are:

1. Omniscience "knowing everything".

2. Omnipotent, "all powerful".

3. Omnipresent, "being present everywhere at the same time".

4. Immutable, "never changes",

5. Veracity, "always truthful".

6 Infinite, He has no limitations, and is infinitely perfect.

This "agape" love of God is far beyond the comprehension of the human race. His judgment upon every descendant of Adam is seen in His righteous decision that all mankind has fallen short of His standard. Therefore having fallen short of God's requirement all must pay the penalty, which is death, eternal separation from God. Please reader believe the Word of God, "the wages of sin is death". Now that is our rightful place in eternity. Whether we are doing the best we can, or if we think we are better than others that is beside the point.

It is not a matter of being acceptable to Him. This we can never be simply because we are finite. He has set an infinite standard because He is infinite, and demands infinite standards. The statement has been made, death is the penalty for being short of the mark, and death there will be. There is nothing we can do about it. Please understand that there is nothing we can do about it!!!

What, one may say; that may well be righteous, but there is no love in that. There certainly is no affection if that is what is meant. God's face is turned from the sinner. He sees us as full of "wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores" Isa.1: 6, totally corrupt. If we are truthful we must agree. This being the case we get what we deserve. However the "agape" love of God goes far beyond our understanding. Before describing it, it is good to summarise what has just gone before.

First, the character of God is immutable, and unchangeable. He has passed judgment on all mankind, and found us guilty. Whether we agree or not is beside the point. We are finite and cannot change the infinite! God is locked into executing the penalty, which is death Second Death; we have no contact with God. God's Word describes us as dead. We can imagine we are having a conversation with God, but most assuredly, for the unsaved, it is definitely a one sided affair. We can imagine signs; we can even be mentally disturbed and hear strange voices in our head. None of these are from God. However we will see that God has given all men a contact point.

Now "agape" love is the determination to do good to an object in which no value may be seen. Mankind certainly fits that category from God's point of view. We can understand the characteristics of God we have seen above, but none could imagine what God would do for us. He will glorify Himself by doing good to the undeceiving. He Himself will pay man's penalty. He will fulfill all the requirements of righteousness and pay the penalty Himself.

To do this He became a man, born of woman, but with the Holy Spirit as Father. Sin came through Adam. The Lord did not inherit Adam's sin and became the only sinless man.

The Father gave His Son; the Son gave His life on the cross, and paid our penalty in full. By this, the righteousness and justice of God remains intact, by this all righteousness is fulfilled. Of the Father we read, "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all," Rom.8: 32. With respect to the Son we read, "and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil.2: 8. It is absolutely vital to note, remember, and consider that we had no part in our salvation whatsoever.

Now notice that:

1. Man could not save himself. He is locked into the finite, he is powerless, and has no grounds of

appeal against the decision of God. He is guilty.

2. He cannot plead with God as the decision had been made. He is in a position very much like death row. The point being stressed here is that man can do nothing but await execution.

 

3. God, and God alone does the work that saves. He gave His Son who gave His life thus paying our

penalty in full. Note the penalty is paid in full!

Now further note:

4. The guilty one is saved by faith that is given to him by God. Eph.2: 8.

5. He is not saved by works, lest any man should boast. Eph.2: 9.

6. It is "whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jno.3: 16

These six points can be summarised as follows. God has made a way of escape by paying the penalty for our sin Himself. The Lord gave up His perfect sinless life when, "who His own self bare our sin in His own body on the tree," 1Pet.2: 24. It is now important to note what the PERFECT work did. We, on exercising this faith, are forgiven our sins. "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Eph.1: 7. "In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Col.1: 14. The blood is the seal marking the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have been bought back, reconciled, baptised into His body, we have eternal life, among other things, by faith and faith alone. Now we see the "agape" love of God. We deserved nothing, but we have received everything including eternal life. Now it is vitally important to realise that, to use an illustration, we were in death row awaiting the execution. We then discovered that someone else took our place, and was executed instead.

The penalty had been paid and we were set free. Note the penalty had been paid, not half paid, or part paid, but paid in full. The law of God was satisfied. Should we then keep looking over our shoulder expecting to be arrested? Not unless we are silly, the penalty has been paid, and cannot be paid twice. By thinking that we can be punished again, for what we were, is calling the work of the Lord useless. The true fact is that He paid the penalty in full, and we will never be called to account for being a sinner. The Lord's work on the cross is perfect and acceptable to God in that He raised Him from the dead.

God counts what we were in the flesh to be crucified and buried with Christ. That is undeserved favour or grace. Over and above that, we must clearly understand that nothing pertaining to Adam, our nature can suit the presence of God. "Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature (creation); old things have passed away; behold all things are become new." 2Cor5: 17. This is where problems begin for young Christians. After being saved they sin. Why? Because they have reverted to the old nature. Does it mean that the perfect work of Christ on the cross is at fault? Impossible!

What it means is that the young christian has taken his eyes off the Lord and sinned. Does it mean that the Almighty God could not devise a perfect salvation? That is blasphemous. His work is perfect, but we are not. We have been given eternal life, we have been baptised into the body of Christ that can never change. When we sin the Holy Spirit convicts us of the fact, and it hurts. We have dishonoured the Lord. What have we lost? We've lost nnothing but our fellowship with our Father and His Son, and maybe some eternal reward. Every provision has been made for our restoration. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness." 1Jno, 1:9.

"I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His names sake." 1Jno.2: 12. If we say we can be lost we are saying that God's work and word is not perfect. He says our sins are forgiven. Please let us not call Him a liar. If we say we can be lost we are saying that the Lord's work on the cross is not perfect. That is, we are accusing the Father of murdering His Son because it was insufficient to save, and we must add to it. That is absolute arrogance. Furthermore it is not grace; it is our effort and work. What, "you who were dead in trespasses and sin," can work in the spirit? Utterly impossible!

"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1Pet.1: 5. The apostle Peter could truly say that he was kept by the power of God. He had failed, three times recorded in the gospels, and his self-confidence was no help to him. "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Jude.24. "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are." Jno.17: 11. "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Heb.13: 5.

The Lord said to the one who believes, "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." Jno.10: 28. "Whosoever believed in me shall never perish, but have eternal life." Jno.3: 16. Now which one of these statements of the Lord is a lie? The christian has to say, none! As that is correct, what are we doing when we say we do not believe Him? We are calling Him a liar, God forbid! Unfortunately there are those who try to study His Word to prove Him a liar in this thing. We must say nothing could be worse. The fault is not the Lord's but our weak and pathetic understanding of His, love, grace, and truthfulness.

As christians we are exhorted to "This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." Gal.5: 16. The christian has a responsibility first to obey the Word of God, and second to live a life free of blame. This is a choice. We will either follow the Lord in obedience, or we will err. Why do we sin? We sin because the old carnal nature is still with us until the redemption of the body when the Lord comes for us. The vital point is that God has counted it dead and buried with Christ. Sin is not the real issue for the christian, but fellowship is. If we sin we have just demonstrated that we prefer the way of the old nature rather than that of God. That is offensive to God, and our fellowship is broken until we confess our sin at which point He will forgive us our sin. The sin question was settled on the cross.

The fellowship question is a moment-by-moment decision on our part. When a child disobeys, the father in the household must exercise discipline. Does He reject the child as a family member? That is impossible the child is a member by birth, that is the end of it. However the child is to be trained to obey his parents, and thus walk in the parent's love, and reflect their character. Hebrews chapter 13 makes the child of God's position quite clear. Therefore, "keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 21.

Without understanding the words, " your sins are forgiven" there is no spiritual progress. That is impossible if we believe He can lie, if He did not do His work on the cross, or if God is not righteous. Having addressed all the believers in verse 12 John then writes a message to each grade.

I write unto you, fathers, because pater; father, one advanced in knowledge

we have known Him that is from the ginosko; come to know, take in knowledge

young men, because ye have neaniskos; a youth

unto you, little children, ye paidion; young child, lad

In this verse the word of God divides christians up into three groups. First there are those who are fathers, then youths, and little children. In this verse we will see the descriptions of each of the three groups. Although in very few words it is very descriptive and certainly needs some study.

We must take note of the phrase, "ye have known Him that is from the beginning". It is not possible for us, as finite beings; to know what is outside our limitations of time and space therefore we are looking at christians who know the Lord from His incarnation. This is a special knowing because it is the perfect tense, in this case which indicates that it has produced a state that continues. That is vitally important. It is not a head knowledge that they have, but it is a personal and close knowledge, which has moulded their lives. What He was in eternity with the Father we really cannot know, but what He was in incarnation is another matter altogether. The gospels and the epistles directly speak of Him, and the Old Testament describes Him in type. It is here we see Him on earth. "And great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." 1Tim3: 16.

God was manifest in the flesh means that the Lord Jesus Christ made the Father known. What the Father was, the Lord lived out in His earthly life. We no longer have to wonder what an infinite remote God is like. We watch the Lord and we see God perfectly displayed. Not for one moment of His life did He do anything else. "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." Jno.14: 9. It is a vicious slander to say that He was a perfect man only. He was truly God manifest in the flesh, and perfect man.

We might observe that " He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." Jno.1: 10-11. This again is a special "know", meaning that they did not understand Him. We may note, "But the natural man (unsaved) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1Cor.2: 14. It is very clear that the unsaved not only cannot know Him, or God Himself. What He stands for is foolish to them. Men hate Him without a cause. They hated Him sufficiently to crucify Him. Without exception every unsaved person has the same attitude towards Him.

To those who have accepted Him as their personal Saviour has been given the Holy Spirit to dwell within. Of the indwelling Holy Spirit the Word of God says, "He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Jno.14: 26. "Howbeit when the He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. For he shall glorify me: for He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you." Jno.16: 13-14. It must be emphasised that the Word spoken is the written Word of God. We have seen that the Lord can only be known by the Holy Spirit revealing Him to us through the scriptures. The fathers have progressed to the stage where the same Spirit shows them the Lord, and they come to know Him in a deeper and personal way. They come to know Him, not about Him. They begin to see more clearly His dealings and attitude with all the people He spoke to. The more they allow the Holy Spirit dwelling within to lead them, the closer they grow to the Lord. They have learnt that Satan is quite capable of putting ideas into the mind of a believer, and it is absolutely essential that every thing, we repeat every thing, must be judged by the whole word of God, and not on carnal feelings. The Holy Spirit within works out this knowledge in their lives, and they reflect Him in their lives.

Finally it is absolutely essential to realise that spiritual gift has nothing to do with being a "father". He is a person who has passed through life's trials and temptations, and has overcome by faith. Just as a father in the natural life take time to progress to that stage so does the christian. He has been the recipient of his heavenly Father's discipline, been exercised by it, and reaped the rewards of the peaceable fruits of righteousness. It will not have been a short journey, and he will almost certainly have the hoar hair of the aged. He is one who looks back, as the children of Israel should have when entering the Promised Land, and considers.

Instead of having to be exhorted to look back and remember the 40 years in the wilderness, as were the Israelite, the father would be very conscious of the past 40 years of training. He would be reflecting upon the benefit of the humbling, the proving, the evaluation of evil of the natural heart, the supply of every need, and being blessed with every spiritual blessing. He would have learnt that "man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live." Deut.8: 3. None of this would be head knowledge, but a practical living experience. He would have an ardent desire to keep His commandments, and to reflect Him in their lives.

This is not youth in age, but in spiritual maturity. It is a grade of christian who is in the strength of the new life, and has the enthusiasm to go into all the world and preach the gospel. It is that stage of maturity that has overcome the wicked one. It is true to say that very few christians in this Laodicean age ever mature beyond the baby stage. This simply means that they are subject to Satan's attacks on their mind concerning their eternal salvation, their walk in the Spirit with the ability to distinguish between flesh and spirit.

Although only three experiences are listed below for spiritual progress the first and foremost requirement must be to please the Lord, and do His bidding because of what He has done for us. It may also be wrong to assume that there are only three major attacks by which he will try to turn believers aside. The purpose of these attacks is to turn believers aside to the things of this world or self rather than to be led by love for the Lord. If these attacks are not overcome we become the most carnal of christians, and are a fierce adversary of the believers.

There is no spiritual progress for any believer who has doubts about his eternal salvation. That is utterly impossible. As we have seen above in the notes to doubt ones eternal salvation is really calling God a liar. "And if we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of which He hath testified of His Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1Jno.5: 9-11. That statement is unconditional, and that is final.

The believer must discover that the old nature is totally corrupt.

The babe in Christ has to go through the necessary experiences, at the hand of God, to distinguish between the old, and the nature of the new creation in Christ given at salvation. It is not something that is learnt by reading, and it must be emphasised that it is deep and sometimes painful real life experience that gives the ability to differentiate between the two.

There are three outstanding examples of just this thing. First we have Jacob, who from the experiences of Jabbok, learnt from God and had his name changed to Israel. He could say I have seen the face of God. God blessed him by crippling him: "He taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man." Psa.147: 10. The legs of a man represent the ability to go his own way.

We then have Job, who through intense pressure had to say, "Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth." Job 40:4. Again he said, "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Job.42: 5-6. Note very carefully what Job is saying. He had good book knowledge of God, he knew all about Him, but now his mind had been opened to know intimately God Himself in a personal way. It was no longer a head knowledge, but personal. It was this personal knowledge of God that led to a comparison of himself to God, and Job was infinitely short of the mark. Gone was all his self-righteousness. He had none. Gone was his boasting. He had no grounds to boast. Gone was his self-vindication. He was wrong and God was right. Normally we call someone self-righteous when they obnoxiously think that they are always right. It is an attitude that considers oneself faultless before Him.

Job could say, "Now mine eye seeth", meaning that he could truly see himself as God saw him in the flesh totally corrupt, without hope, and incapable of pleasing God. His personal understanding has been opened to see himself as he really was. This was not book knowledge, but it was practical knowledge. He felt it inwardly and keenly, and it changed his life.

Similarly Peter, the self-confident one, saw himself for what he was when the Lord looked upon him after he denied Him. He went out and wept bitterly. Here was another self revelation, for in reply to the Lord who said that he would deny Him three times Peter said, "Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee." Mat.25: 35. He did what he thought he would never do, and when brought face to face with the Lord his eyes were opened. The reader will notice that we are talking about an experience, and not a theoretical knowledge.

In all three cases there was a desire to follow the Lord, but the relationship between them and the Lord was not right. In one sense they seemed to operate as if they were equal with the Lord, or as a free agent. It did not occur to them that the relationship was one of grace. That is they, of themselves, had no claim on the Lord whatsoever. They were determined to go their own way in life. With the babe in Christ it is utterly impossible for him to tell the difference between what comes from the old nature or from the new.

The reason for the above is very simple to understand. They have never had their eyes opened as to just what the old nature is. It is impossible for them to believe that a thing is bad when they think it is good. After the Lord opens their eyes to see the total corruption of the old nature they then move into the class of christian who says, "For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, and have no confidence in the flesh." Phil.3: 3.

Those who have no confidence in the flesh have learnt that nothing, but nothing good comes from the old nature irrespective how good or spiritual it may seem.

This person's total reliance is in the Word of God. Everything must be measured by it, and not just parts of it, which appeal to the person, so concerned. The old nature cannot even understand that, and will take out of the Word just what suits it. There are no contradictions in the Word of God, and if one thinks so they are wrong. It is the old nature at it again.

Young men have passed through these tests, have overcome the wicked one, and put on the whole Armour of God. They have eternal life and know it, they have no confidence in the flesh, and rely on the Spirit of God taking the Word of God and applying it to their heart. They are now ready to work for the Lord's glory. Unfortunately the Word of God tells us that most Christians do not even get to this stage of spiritual growth and remain babes in Christ all their earthly life.

The young men category consists of those who are not ignorant of the devil's devices. They are capable spiritual workers for the Lord. You will notice that gifts have nothing to do with spiritual attainment. It is a personal knowledge of the Lord first and foremost and knowledge of the wiles of Satan. Above all they are at the disposal of the Lord to do His bidding. They realise they are debtors to grace alone, and begin to come to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The word in this verse (v.13) is the one for little or young child, and is used in a different sense in the New Testament. Here it is the first category of christian growth, or should we say the very first movements of the new life of the christian. Here we read, "ye have known the Father." Know is in the perfect tense and it describes the state that the knowledge produced, and which still continues. They have known the Father. We should now look at the state produced.

From the very moment of the new birth we read, "For we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are born of God." Rom.8: 15-16. It seems that the word Abba was that sound made by very small babies for father. What we see from the Word above is that the Holy Spirit tells us that we have a heavenly Father.

Many who are finally saved commenced their way by searching for God, to know the truth, and are finally drawn to the Lord on the cross. There they see Him bearing their sin in His own body. When this is accepted they are saved, the Holy Spirit speaks in no uncertain terms to their heart that they are born of God. He is their Father, and they found the Lord by the Father. "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh: I will in no wise cast out." John 6.37. "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified". Heb.10: 14. Sanctified, strictly and only means (set apart by salvation)".

I have written unto you, fathers, grapho; wrote

because you have known Him that is oida; know (perfect tense)

This verse is remarkable in that John had just written the same words a few lines before. In this same paragraph John will address the young men, and the babes in Christ again, but will add much more than in verse 13. There seems to be good reason for doing that. The fathers had reached a spiritual maturity, and their knowledge of the Lord Himself was clear and close. It seems that this repetition is an encouragement to the fathers, as they would see it as a loving acknowledgment of their closeness to the Lord, and close fellowship with the apostle.

of God abideth in you, and ye have meno; dwell, live

overcome the wicked one.

Let us first notice the additions for this class of believer of which there are two. First there is the statement, "because ye are strong", and second we have, "and the word of God abideth in you." The reason for their strength has nothing to do with their ability, gift, position, intelligence, popularity, their knowledge, or anything that comes from the old nature. It comes from the Word of God, but in a special way.

We have to take particular notice of the fact that "the Word abideth in you". That is the reason for the strength mentioned in the verse. IN addition they were strong, and had overcome the wicked one. More than that, however, was the other effects upon those who make the Word of God home in their hearts.

1. It had become their necessary food

2. It is the only communication from God to man

3. It had become their weapon of warfare

4. It was their guiding light

5. It was their sole authority

As the body needs food so does the new spiritual life in Christ. From the time of being saved we are exhorted to, "desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby," 1Pet.2: 2. For those who fed on the sincere milk of the Word it then becomes vitally important to them to continue to do so. They have a growing desire to serve the lord who loves them. "Neither have I gone back from the commandments of His lips; I have esteemed the Words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12.

The Word of God is the only source of information from God to man. There is no other. God's mind is revealed in His Word, not in dreams, not in visions, and certainly not in feelings. What some christians may say, "but God has spoken to me in this way." The answer is how do you know? Invariable the reply to that question is that "it feels right." The only christians who can say that are those who have not made progress in the christian life, and still rely on the old sinful flesh.

We can, and will not limit the ways in which God may speak to His people. That is not our intention. But the young men described in this verse 14 take all these feelings to the Word of God for conformation. If it is not according to His Word it is from the flesh or worse, from Satan.

"The Word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword," Heb.4: 12. In wrestling against higher powers we are called to, "take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:" Eph.6: 17. In the Revelation we read, "These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges". The Word of God used in the power of the Holy Spirit has all the power of God. In grace, under these circumstances we have His power available to us.

Of old, the Psalmist could say, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psa.119: 105. "The entrance of thy Word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psa.119: 130. Again we read, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" 1Pet.1: 19. Let there be no mistake the word prophecy in this verse is most positively not foretelling. It is an adjective meaning the prophetic Word of God being made more certain or surer.

Not only is the Lord Jesus Christ the Light of the world, but also the Word of God is the only light to illuminate a sin-darkened mind. Not only that, but the new life in Christ can only receive information from the Word of God as the Holy Spirit enlightens it. At this point it is appropriate to quote comments on verse 20 that follows: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation." 2Pet.1: 20.

This means, "it is not explained by its own meaning as a human statement. It must be understood by and according to the Spirit that uttered it. The prophecy is, I take it, the sense of the prophecy, the thing meant by it. Now this is not gathered by a human interpretation of an isolated passage which has its own meaning, its own solution, as if a man uttered it; for it is a part of God's mind, uttered as holy men were moved by the Holy Spirit to utter it. In the 'prophecy of scripture' the apostle has in mind the thing prophesied, without losing the idea of the passage. Hence I have ventured to say "[the scope of] no prophecy.' One might almost say 'no prophecy explains itself'." J.N.DARBY.

For those who claim to be prophets telling the future they are nothing but deceived and deceivers. The whole mind of God had been contained in His Word, and at least two strict warnings are given to those who would add to or take away from it. Rev.22: 19. He, the Living Word said, "I am the way the truth and the life". Also in speaking of His Word the Lord said, "heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Mat.24: 35. Any so called new revelation is not from God but from Satan.

Furthermore if the so-called prophet is repeating the written Word of God as a revelation to him only, he is a liar. It is written in the bible and it is for all to see. The warning is to test all new information by the Word of God, and not by carnal feelings.

Those who refuse to obey the Word of God are in rebellion against Him, and they are clearly described as not loving Him. He said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Jno.14: 15. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." Jno.14: 21. The commandments are the written Word of God, and certainly not something recently added to it.

The sole authority means that the only instructions for a christian young man are the bible itself. No other source is to be trusted in any way whatsoever unless the scriptures agree with it. That does not in any way mean that the other sources are correct. They are not, and it does not matter what that source is. Whether it be man, outside revelation, dreams, so called prophesies, inward feelings, or anything else, none of them are a source of revelation from God to the individual. Then someone may ask, "what about teachers?" Then the teacher's message is to be compared to the Word of God.

The principal behind teaching is that the Spirit of God moves the teacher to teach the Word, and only the Word of God, which is taken by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and applied to the heart of the hearer. The Holy Spirit can only take the Word of God and use it. He will not apply error to the believer's heart. The believer, if he is carnal, will take anything and believe it, and usually rejects the Word of God or he is broken by it and repents. To receive anything but the Word of God is the blind leading the blind. Both fall into the ditch.

Believers led by the Holy Spirit will not receive error. The indwelling Spirit warns them of the danger, and they react accordingly. The carnal believer rarely can tell truth from error. The young men the apostle John addresses have the Word abiding in them, and they know the difference, and have overcome the wicked one. They can differentiate between truth and error, which for them is simple.

The Lord gives clear instructions about these servants of evil. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits" Mat.7: 15-16. Again, in describing the last days before His coming He says, "And many false prophets shall rise, and deceive many." Mat.24: 11. Are you being deceived, and are you able to know? This question must be asked for each of us. How we can tell a false prophet is very simple. If what he prophesies does not take place, he is a false prophet. If it is not according to the whole Word of God he is a false prophet. Test everything you hear by the written Word of God.

Apart from the gospels we are warned in the epistles. When speaking of this matter, and concerning pure faith Paul says, "From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." 1Tim.1: 6-7. This means they have missed the mark, and their words are empty, just so much hot air. Of them again he says, "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their consciences seared with a hot iron." 1Tim.4: 2. "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing," 1Tim6.3.

The apostle Paul goes on further to point out that the time will come when christians will not endure sound doctrine, and seek out such to teach them; 2Tim.4: 3. Of these we read, "whose mouths must be stopped" by those so qualified, Titus1: 11. "But there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." 2Pet.2: 1.

We see the last days will bring in false teachers like a flood. How are we to know them when we may possibly be among the great numbers who are deceived? The answer is simple. We need a total reliance on the Word of God, and the Spirit of God to guide us. However if we are not yet able to distinguish between flesh and Spirit we are in extreme danger. We need to throw ourselves upon the Lord and His Word, and pray for that experience and ability. The biggest mistake we can make is to think that if it feels right then it must be. There is no bigger mistake because feelings come from the old nature. Once again the only safe and secure way is for the Word of God to be applied to the mind of the person by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The preceding paragraphs describe the young men category. They have the ability to distinguish between flesh and spirit. They have encountered the devices of the devil, but above all they have the Word of God abiding in them. Their position is that they fully understand that they stand in the righteousness, which is of Christ. They have none of their own. Once again we stress that it is not spiritual gift, or ability, which puts them in this category, but it is their spiritual growth obtained by study and obedience to the pure Word of God.

There are three things that will always present traps to all classes of christains. They are the world, the flesh, and the devil, but the Holy Spirit here in verse 15 makes a clear and definite statement that all Christians would do well to study.

It is of vital concern to clearly understand just what is meant here by love. It is the word used when God says He loved the world with the particular emphasis being put on determining to do good to an object in which no good may be seen. It is an all-embracing word that is much higher than affection. It implies that we wish to do some good to that particular object. Surely some might say, are we not to love sinners? In the first place it is not within the capacity of the christian to do good to the whole of lost humanity. The reply then might be, well why preach the gospel? The answer to that is that it glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. We, as christians, have an inbuilt desire to snatch the lost from the eternal fire. Preaching the gospel is a matter of life and death, and necessity is laid upon us to do so.

In the matter above we are simply copying the Lord in what He did here on earth. We determine to do good to the individual to whom we are speaking to, and praying for, in desperately seeking to save the lost. That is a commandment. On the other hand one facet of loving the world is the trap of believing that this system of things can be improved. It is a special trap for the young men. They have a keenness to do everything possible to save the lost, but this trap is to think that they can improve the world system of things for the betterment of all mankind or for some in a particular place.

What we mean by that is that young men may feel a necessity placed upon them to improve the system of things. This they may propose to do by politics, art, science, religion, and any other thing that they think will serve this purpose. What is forgotten is that the judgment of God has been given. Not only so, but also the world:

1. Lieth in the wicked one 1Jno.5: 19

2. It hated Him without a cause Psa.69: 4

3. It is judged as being guilty of crimes Jno.19: 15

4. It condemned Him to death and crucified Him Jno.19: 18

How can one help that which despised, rejected, and crucified Christ? Not without deserting the Lord, and being a traitor. This is further emphasised in these words of the Lord, "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." Jno.15: 19. Again this is a statement of fact! How then can a christian go into the world, and not be hated? By being like the world and not like his Master! The world hated and crucified the Lord, and we want to be a part of it? Impossible, without being a traitor to the Lord. His word firmly places us there if we do.

To think we can help the world's system of things shows, for the young men category, what would seem to be a total disregard for the Word of God. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? Also what communion hath light with darkness?" 2Cor.6: 14. What the Greek word heterozygous means is that things of a different kind have been coupled together; Deut.22: 10. That is, the believer has gone into an arrangement with someone who is not a christain. The yoke signifies that the two are working together for a common purpose by mutual agreement. Furthermore it indicates that they are both on the same level as far as control is concerned.

To work for someone is not an unequal yoke because the boss is the one in control, and the worker should have agreed to give a fair days work for a fair day's pay.

Particular examples of an unequal yoke is the marriage between a believer and an unsaved person, and, as mentioned above, the working together of christians and unsaved in a common purpose to help in a common cause, benevolent or otherwise.

In the context of the verse above the clear and absolute statement is made in the form of a question, "what fellowship (partnership, things in common) hath righteousness with unrighteousness." The new nature of the christian knows that there is absolutely none.

Furthermore we read, "what communion hath light with darkness?" Communion here means, what common properties or attributes does light have with darkness. The simple answer is "none". One is the opposite of the other and neither can exist together. You either have light or darkness. Similarly the new nature has nothing in common with the old nature the flesh. The context makes it quite clear that there is nothing in common between a christian and an unsaved person. One has life and one does not. How then can christians work together in a common cause with the unsaved? By being willfully or ignorantly disobedient. Babes in Christ may be ignorant of His Word, His blood avails for that condition, but young men should not be. It seems that it is a willful disregard for the verse above, and a reverting to a walk in the flesh.

Believers generally think of the world's religions as every other religion except that which calls itself christian. This is definitely not true. That which calls itself christian may not be christianity. Christendom and christianity are in no way related. In fact christendom is Satan's masterpiece, and is described in Revelation 17, where it amalgamates with all the other world religions to oppose the Lord Himself.

It is that which calls itself christian but runs on the world's principals. It does not accept Jesus Christ as Lord, and certainly it does not accept the Word of God as its authority. It is totally opposed to the Lord. The terrible fact is that many believers join these so called christian organizations, and this disobedient unholy mixture of saved and unsaved works for Satan.

At the coming of the Lord into the air to call up His own all believers will be caught up to meet Him. In christendom their unsaved associates are left behind. What a terrible thing to happen to any believer to be caught up out of that which hates Him. We should be ashamed to be caught in such a sorry state, 1Jon.2: 28. Not having the ability to discern His mind, and being caught in direct violation of His Word is indeed a shameful sin. Yet many believers are not concerned about such shame because their conscience no longer convicts them of their error.

Now to knowingly go into such organizations, to supposedly preach the gospel, teach the Word, or to take part in any way is clear disobedient to the Word of God. Suppose one goes to such a place and preaches the gospel and someone is saved, and that organization forbids baptism by immersion, what is the position? One is walking in the light and the other is not. To be unequally yoked to unbelievers or disobedient christians is contrary to the Word of God. Two errors have emerged from such sinful actions:

1. The babe in Christ is left in error

2. The preacher has compromised himself by multiple disobedience

A popular excuse for this disobedience is, "the person would not have been saved if he had not disobeyed". That error simply compounds the sin. For, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Jno.6: 37. What we see here is that the Father draws the unsaved person to the Lord. That seems clear enough, but let us examine the erroneous argument. The disobedient preacher is blasphemously claiming that he drew the unsaved person to the Lord. He did not! The Father did. The servant's job is to obey his master!

What should our attitude be to those who do not see all the Word of God? We are to have a determination to do them good. First we meekly present the truth to them, and second we do not join in with their disobedience. Not to meekly instruct them is to hate them! For we leave them out of fellowship with the Lord thus showing we have no concern for their eternal welfare whatsoever. To join in with the error is simply confirming them in their error. Christianity is not religion. Religion is one system of the world that is in direct opposition to the Lord.

In the previous paragraphs we have looked at "love not the world" and with it our association with the system of things in this world. Now we look at things in the world.

Things in the world are all the objects that are not Christ, and it is He who should be the centre of our affections. Once again it seems expedient to explain the meaning of the word "love" (agapao). "Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren or towards men generally, is not an impulse of the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom.15: 2, and works no ill to any, Rom.13: 8-10; love seeks opportunity to do good to 'all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of faith', Gal.6: 10, see Hogg & Vine.

Love "agapao" of the world and things of the world is a perverted love. It seeks the welfare of the individual, which is introverted and makes self the centre receiving the good. Furthermore it is further perverted by the fact that the things, in this case, are things that take the individual christian from his Lord. They are things that take preeminence over all else. It would appear that envy, covetousness, and perhaps greed, feed the ego of the person desiring these things. Their purpose is to build up the ego: Certainly not their love for the Lord.

There is no need at this stage to go further into this aspect of the world, as we will see that it is further described in the next verse. What we have looked at is the world's system of things, and the actual things in the world. Further we have noticed the absolute statement that if we put this system and things in the system before the Lord we simply do not love the Father. Let us examine ourselves as to just where we stand.

For all that is in the world, the lust pas; all, every

of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes epithumia; strong desire

It is extremely important to properly understand what is meant by the verse above. In this case the word "all" means that everything that the world system is made up of is has nothing in common with the Father. Nothing, absolutely nothing is omitted. What is strange is the fact that the word lust now takes up a prominent position. Lust means nothing more than a strong desire. The question could be asked what is wrong with a strong desire? An example is a strong desire to serve the Lord? The answer to that is nothing at all, but in this case the thing condemned is a strong desire for what the world has to offer.

The world, morally speaking, is that which Satan made after the fall of Adam. The whole of the human race is now the bondslaves of the devil. It is his system that controls everything. Satan is the god of this world and we read, "And we know we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness (wicked one)." 1Jno.5: 19. "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2Cor.4: 4. As we have seen above the whole world rejected Christ, and crucified Him.

The world designed by Satan has a strong attraction for the unsaved, and controls them. Unfortunately it has a similar attraction for the saved. So far as the government of God is concerned the whole world's system has been judged and found guilty, and now awaits the execution of that judgment. "But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men." 2Pet.3: 4. The point in verse 16 is that the christian by giving in to the attraction, and developing a strong desire to have what the world has to offer prefers Satan's transient toy to the fellowship of the Father. A christian preferring fellowship with Satan rather than with the Father seems impossible, but is possible.

We noted that there are three ways the world has an attraction for us that we should be aware of. The love of the world and the love of the things in the world manifest themselves by three strong desires. Let us examine them in little more fully.

1. The lust of the flesh

2. The lust of the eyes

3. The pride of life.

The lust of the flesh is a very simple thing to describe as it is simply putting self-satisfaction, our desires, and wishes first in our life. The pleasures of this world come first.

There is an obvious difference between seeing something that you like, and admiring it, and seeing the same thing, then focusing all your efforts to have it. It is a wrong desire when it became the pre-eminent thing in your life causing the Lord to take second place in the life and is forgotten.

Basically this means that the person wants to make a name for himself in the world. Whether it be by riches, power, rank, or pleasure it is wrong. It is wrong because something else has taken first place in the christian's life. Christ is dethroned. For the christian only One has saved us from an eternity in the lake of fire; that was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. When all is analysed it is pathetic thinking to exchange eternal reality for fleeting fancy. It is also terrible to think that christians imagine that they can come to God by presenting their achievements in this world to Him. That is totally unacceptable! The whole world, both the people and the system rejected the Lord, and furthermore it is condemned.

The three things above, all strong desires of the old nature, can only lead the person away from the Lord. Are they better than Him? One moment's reflection soon tells the believer that nothing can compare. Then we all, particularly the young men category, must firmly fix their affections one the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. We must also be firmly reminded that to set our affections upon thing that replace the Lord of His first place in our heart is not to love the Father. It is Satan's purpose to turn us from the Lord to anything out of the realm of time, and has eternal existence. Pure logic and sanity would dictate that the believer should concentrate his efforts on that which is to last forever. What is the point in wasted effort?

In the two verses above the apostle John has stated fact and direction. He is saying, "do not be distracted by things which have no value nor will they last." Concentrate your affections on that which will last throughout all eternity. Although John makes that quite clear what is really behind his words is the fact that we have someone who loves us with an infinite and everlasting love. He is the one our hearts went out to when we saw Him on the cross crucified for us. Concentrate on that; and all the glitter of this world will be seen to be nothing but tawdry garbage. "Set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Col.3: 2-3.

Let us remember that although the world can be very attractive to any christian the Holy Spirit has directed the message of these three verses particularly to the category of "young men". Why? Because the god of this world puts all his energy into trying to destroy that which exalts Christ. This the young men do by their strength, and the abiding Word within them. Satan employs all his power to stop it. Let us be warned, and take appropriate action of clinging to the Lord with purpose of heart.

And the world passeth away, and the parago; cease to exist

the will of God abideth for ever. meno; continues

The apostle states bold facts. The world and all that it contains, stands for, and its very existence will emphatically cease to exist.

On the other hand the believer has passed out of the realm of time, and has eternal existence. Pure logic and sanity would dictate that the believer should concentrate his efforts on that which is to last forever. What is the point in wasted effort?

In the two verses above the apostle John has stated fact and direction. He is saying, "do not be distracted by things which have no value nor will they last." Concentrate your affections on that which will last throughout all eternity. Although John makes that quite clear what is really behind his words is the fact that we have Someone who loves us with an infinite and everlasting love. He is the one our hearts went out to when we saw Him on the cross crucified for us. Concentrate on that; and all the glitter of this world will be seen to be nothing but tawdry garbage. "Set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth. for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Col.3:2-3.

Let us remember that although the world can be very attractive to any christian the Holy Spirit has directed the message of these three verses particularly to the category of "young men". Why? because the god of this world puts all his energy into trying to destroy that which exalts Christ. This the young men do by their strength, and the abiding Word within them. Satan employs all his power to stop it. Let us be warned, and take appropriate action of clinging to the Lord with purpose of heart.

Little children, it is the last time: hora; hour, season

now are there many antichrists; whereby antichristos; against or instead of Christ

After having addressed the fathers, and the young men, he now addresses the babes in Christ. We will notice nothing was added when addressing fathers, little more was said to the young men, but now much more is said to the babes in Christ. Obviously more had to be said because of their position and need. The most remarkable thing is the actual opening theme for the young believers. It is the soon coming of the Lord for His own. "This is the last hour", indicates that time, that is the interval between His resurrection and His return for His own was coming to a close. The interest is in what heralds the Lord's return, antichrists.

One will notice that the word is used twice in the verse, but each one refers to a different thing. "The antichrist" is a particular person. He is Satan's man chosen by him to rule the fallen world, and he is further described in the Revelation. The second usage of the word says that there are many of them. What does this mean? It simply means that there are many who will have the characteristics of the man of sin, and they act as forerunners.

There are three other passages, written by John, who gives us a clear indication, what constitutes an antichrist. In verse 22 below he is someone who denies that Jesus is the Christ. In ch.4.3 he is someone who denies that Jesus Christ came as a human being. In 2John:7 it repeats the previous description. He is further described as the first beast in Rev.13, and again in 2Thes.2.

It means that an opponent of the Christ of God denies, refuses to believe, and usually teaches that the man Jesus of Nazareth was not God Himself. The very foundation of the Christian faith, the truth of God is that Jesus was truly God and truly man. Please note that very carefully. Put very simply the antichrist denies the existence of the true God, and Jesus Christ was just a man.

Very few would deny that Jesus Christ was a man. What few understand He came to this world to do the Father's will. He was His perfect servant which made Him the perfect man. He is the only man born of woman who ever lived a perfect life. Thus in His capacity as man He perfectly obeyed His Father. Pilate, an eminent judge, had to conclude that he could find no fault in this man.

"In the beginning was he Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jno.1:1. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Jno1:14. "God wad manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." 1Tim.3:16. The sum total of all the scriptures is that Christ was God manifest in the flesh.

For those who would dare to contradict the scriptures, being finite men, it shows their infinite ignorance in trying to pull the infinite God down to their level. This would seem to be arrogance of the highest order. In any case the Word of God is the final court of appeal. The man Jesus of Nazareth was God manifest in the flesh.

It is further amazing to note that their origin is out from the assembly.

have continued with us: but they meno; remain, continue, stay

not all of us they all were not of us

The original makes it quite clear that all those who left the meeting had nothing in common with those in the assembly. This is both absolutely clear from the original Greek, and from John's teachings. Please note the repetition John uses in describing the movements of these antichrists. They went out. It would seem they went out of their own accord, but it is equally possible that the gainsayer’s mouths were shut. In the latter case the Holy Spirit works in power to remove that which defiles the dwelling place of God. Scriptural discipline achieves the same purpose.

But ye have an unction form the chrisma; anointing

Holy One, and ye know all things oida; come into the scope of knowledge.

This anointing or unction "indicates that this anointing renders them holy, separating them to God. "The passage teaches that the gift of the Holy Spirit is the all-efficient means of enabling believers to possess knowledge of the truth." W E Vine N.T Dictionary. This is a marvelous fact for the very youngest in Christ. What it means is that the Holy Spirit can take the Word of God apply it to the heart of the young believer to give them knowledge of a particular thing at a particular time. The Lord, no doubt, is in the heavenlies, but He has not left us alone. We have another comforter, guide, and protector.

The indwelling Holy Spirit is the only means at our disposal to keep us from the wiles of the devil. He has ages of intelligence, he is superior to the natural man, and without the comforter we would be taken captive. John.7:38 ‘He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water’. In every circumstance the supply is there at the believer’s disposal. Naturally the Holy Spirit can not bring to mind what is not in it. However two things can happen, first the believer will feel uneasy when in a wrong situation, which is a warning from the Spirit, but should the believer have read the scriptures this will be brought to his mind.

To be in darkness is to see darkness as light. Satan, the deceiver, changes his appearance to that of a messenger of light. How do we tell what is what? By studying the word of God. By their fruits ye shall know them and that only by measuring them against the word.

Once again we have a remarkable and wonderful verse. We can ask, what is the truth? That would be a wrong question! The question the christian should ask is, who is that truth? The answer is of course, The Lord Jesus Christ. He could say "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" There is a communication between the Lord and the second person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit who communicates every requirement to the believer walking in the light

Jno.16:13. Most importantly of all notice well that the Holy Spirit dwelling within never gives a message from Himself.

He passes on only that which the "Truth" Himself passes!!! Once again there is only one source of all truth and that is the scriptures. That which comes from another source is a lie.

His Father spoke from the mountain, His Father raised Him from the dead, and He is seated at the right hand of God. The creator, governor, and preserver of the universe has testified of Him. He now is seated in the heavenly places "From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.’ Heb 10:13. The whole scriptures from Genesis to Revelation point to Jesus of Nazareth being the anointed Messiah. Simply he who denies the Son denies the Father who sent Him.