1 John 4

Birth (Christ come in the flesh)

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 1 John 4:2–3

The test of any teaching is whether it testifies that Jesus Christ truly came to earth in a real mortal body. Denying that is the spirit of antichrist.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• alludes to John 1:14 — the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us
• alluded to by 2 John 1:7 — deceivers who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh

Only Begotten Son

Only Begotten — the only child of God the Father in the flesh

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

God's love is proven by sending His Only Begotten Son, so that we can have true life through Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to John 3:16 — God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son

Atonement

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

A propitiation is the offering that makes peace and reconciliation possible. The Father sent His Son to be that offering for our sins.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 1 John 2:2 — he is the propitiation for our sins
• alludes to Romans 3:25 — whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood

Saviour of the World

Saviour — the one who rescues and delivers

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14

John is an eyewitness testifying that the Father sent Jesus to save the whole world.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in John 4:42 — this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world

Son of God

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 1 John 4:15

Confessing that Jesus is the Son of God opens the way for God to dwell in us.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Matthew 16:16 — Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God

Judgment

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17

Those who become like Christ in love can face the day of judgment with confidence rather than fear. 'As he is' most likely points to Christ as the pattern.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 1 John 3:2 — we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is