The Book of 1 John
1 John assures believers of eternal life and calls them to walk in light, truth and love — for God himself is love, and where there is no love there is no God.
- Testament
- New (5 chapters)
- Type
- Epistle
- Author
- Traditionally John the apostle, author also of the Gospel.
- Date
- Probably 85-95 AD.
God is love
John's most famous line: 'God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him' (4:16). Love is not just something God does — it is who he is. Therefore, anyone who claims to know God and doesn't love is lying (4:20).
Three tests of authentic faith
1 John gives three running tests of whether your faith is real: doctrinal (do you confess Christ?), moral (do you obey?), and relational (do you love your brothers and sisters?). All three together; not just one.
Key verses (KJV)
“God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” — 1 John 4:16 (KJV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (KJV)
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” — 1 John 3:1 (KJV)
How to read 1 John
Five short chapters — read slowly, in one sitting. John writes in spirals — he returns to the same themes (light, truth, love) again and again from different angles. Don't fight the repetition; let it form you.
Read 1 John on your iPhone
Read the full book of 1 John in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
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