1 John 4-5

“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him” (5:1). Repeatedly, John connects believing and loving. What we believe matters; the antichrist is the one who denies that “Jesus has come in the flesh” (4:2-3). Yet the “test” (4:1) involves more than simply verbal affirmation. “If we love one another, God abides in us” (4:12).

In a world of half-truths and vague spirituality, John gives us simple guidelines. The children of God believe in His Son Jesus Christ and demonstrate His sacrificial love (4:19).