John reminds us that we are living in the last days (lit., “the last hour”). He points us to this reality and helps us to see that the world is and has been ready for the judgment of God which the coming of Christ will bring.

Scripture speaks to safeguard us from the dangers of false ideas and false practices. John writes and has written to warn us, not to condemn us.

Jesus commanded us to love one another just as He loved us. It is critical that we properly see Jesus’ love as a holy love, for Jesus loved His people to do them eternal good and to sanctify them

All true believers live in obedience to the word of God. To say “I know God” yet live in rebellion against His word is to be a liar devoid of God’s truth.

How are Christians to deal with sin? Clearly, a disciple of Christ walks in the light (1:6-7), but he isn’t sinless in this life (1:8). Until we see Jesus face to face, we are neither glorified nor fully like Him (3:2).

The message from Jesus conveyed by the apostles is the absolute holiness of God and what it means to have fellowship with Him.