Christ, in the book of 1st John
The book of 1 John, traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, provides a rich and multifaceted portrayal of Christ. This portrayal is central to the epistle's overarching themes of fellowship, love, truth, and eternal life. John emphasizes both the divinity and humanity of Christ, affirming key theological truths while addressing the pastoral concerns of his readers.
The Incarnate Word
One of the foundational aspects of Christ's portrayal in 1 John is His incarnation. From the outset, John emphasizes the tangible, historical reality of Christ. In 1 John 1:1-3, he speaks of Christ as the "Word of life" who was heard, seen, and touched. This assertion combats early heresies, such as Docetism, which denied Christ's physical humanity. By affirming Christ's incarnation, John underscores the accessibility and relational nature of God, who entered into human history to reveal Himself fully.
The Light and the Life
Christ is also depicted as the light and the life. In 1 John 1:5, John declares, "God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." This metaphor of light conveys purity, truth, and the revelation of God’s character. Christ, as the light, exposes sin and guides believers in the path of righteousness. Moreover, in 1 John 5:11-12, John asserts that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. This identification of Christ as the source of eternal life emphasizes His essential role in the salvation and ongoing spiritual vitality of believers.
The Advocate and Atoning Sacrifice
A crucial aspect of Christ's portrayal in 1 John is His role as the advocate and atoning sacrifice. In 1 John 2:1-2, John reassures believers that if anyone sins, "we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins." Christ’s advocacy underscores His ongoing intercessory role for believers, pleading their case before the Father. His atoning sacrifice, meanwhile, emphasizes the sufficiency of His death on the cross to cleanse believers from all sin and to restore their relationship with God.
The Source of Love and Fellowship
Love is a dominant theme in 1 John, and Christ is portrayed as both the source and the ultimate expression of love. In 1 John 3:16, John writes, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us." Christ’s sacrificial love sets the standard for how believers are to love one another. Furthermore, in 1 John 4:7-12, John elaborates on how love originates from God and is manifested in Christ’s sacrificial death. This divine love, embodied in Christ, is the basis for the believers’ love for one another and is the evidence of true fellowship with God.
The Confession of Christ and Spiritual Discernment
John emphasizes the importance of correct belief about Christ for genuine Christian faith. In 1 John 4:2-3, he provides a test for discerning true spirits from false ones: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. This confession is crucial for maintaining orthodox belief against the backdrop of false teachings. John’s focus on the correct confession of Christ underscores the necessity of recognizing both His full divinity and full humanity.
Victory Over the World
Christ is also portrayed as the source of victory over the world. In 1 John 5:4-5, John asserts that everyone born of God overcomes the world, and this victory is achieved through faith in Jesus as the Son of God. This portrayal of Christ as the victorious Son of God provides assurance to believers facing trials and temptations, affirming that their faith in Christ secures their triumph over worldly influences.
In summary, 1 John presents a comprehensive and deeply pastoral portrayal of Christ as the incarnate Word, the light and life, the advocate and atoning sacrifice, the source of love and fellowship, the focus of true confession, and the victor over the world. These aspects collectively reinforce the core Christian beliefs and ethical imperatives, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and love.