Theological Themes in 1 John
IncarnationIncarnation literally means “embodied in flesh.” It is a Christian doctrine, based on the witness in John’s Gospel, that God’s Word was made flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds confess the central importance of the incarnation of Jesus. More
This book insists on the full coming of the Son of God into human flesh–a fully human Savior. Many philosophies and religions of the first and second centuries saw the body or flesh as inherently evil, and this led some people to resist the idea of JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God’s saving act for humanity More as God incarnate.
Light and darkness
The book assumes a strong and unambiguous division between good and evil, light and dark, faith and unbelief, Christians and “the world.” These divisions are no doubt a simplification of real life now.
Love
Love is at the core of who God is. Likewise, love must guide the life of Christian believers who work and live (“walk”) in the light of God. John famously claims that God is love.
“Walking” as ethics
John the Elder uses the metaphorical expression walk to speak of the life of faith and discipleship. The importance of Christian ethics in the life and love of God receives strong emphasis. Faith that is true will lead to a walk that is strong in Christ.